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Ok...
I am in my low fifties, youthful, not overweight but def getting that "rounder" look that comes with age.
Never been an exerciser and a HUGE reason for that is that I also have panic disorder. For those of you that don't know - it's an anxiety disorder that can cause heart palpitations. Even when they are benign, palpitations are frightening. Since I am getting older, I had a stress test and echcardiogram just to be sure heart is indeed ok. Was told yes. Still, when I exert myself my body reads the signal of a rapid heartbeat as "panic" and then I will actually go into panic mode. I need someone who will work with me get fit - tone my arms, abs, etc. and help me gain some confidence so that I then will not be so afraid of doing cardio. Clearly I need to go slow but I also need someone who can motivate with compassion. I have suffered enough; don't really need tough love.
Anyone have any ideas/ suggestions/ recommendations? Whatever it is I do, it has to be with someone else.
I get easily discouraged and then give up on my own.
It might be helpful to know what area of the triangle you are in. I think that one of the UNC Wellness Centers would be a great option for you if you are near either of them. They have locations in Meadowmont, Chapel Hill and in West Cary. They are very accommodating to lots of different needs and fitness levels there. I am sure they would be very understanding. Another idea is that you should work out with a friend (you can even do this with a trainer). Do you have a friend who would meet up with you for workouts? Everyone works out better and more consistently with a friend to motivate them. Hope those suggestions help!
Maybe you should start slower than cardio. Have you considered yoga? There are many different styles and the breath work can help with anxiety and panic. If you get comfortable with one of the slower styles and have success with the breath work then you might move onto a faster-paced style if you're wanting to get more of a workout and increase your heart rate. Beginner yoga classes are usually very calming and encouraging.
Maybe you should start slower than cardio. Have you considered yoga? There are many different styles and the breath work can help with anxiety and panic. If you get comfortable with one of the slower styles and have success with the breath work then you might move onto a faster-paced style if you're wanting to get more of a workout and increase your heart rate. Beginner yoga classes are usually very calming and encouraging.
This is a very good idea.
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Maybe you should start slower than cardio. Have you considered yoga? There are many different styles and the breath work can help with anxiety and panic. If you get comfortable with one of the slower styles and have success with the breath work then you might move onto a faster-paced style if you're wanting to get more of a workout and increase your heart rate. Beginner yoga classes are usually very calming and encouraging.
Thank you for this, poppydog. I have thought of this but am so embarrassed to be in a class. I have been humiliated in the past. Anyone familiar with yoga...are their such things as one on one classes? I haven't found anything in my search. I am in southern Wake but am willing to travel for someone who can help me move forward in this regard.
You sound a bit like myself..I have joined gyms through my life that I never use..
I do the initial personal trainer session and get overwhelmed with them showing me
30 machines..
I told the last guy who did the a free initial session that I was definitely
a "flight risk" I explained my past failures at gyms and suggested that he just show
me how to work the treadmill and a few machines .
Then I could build on that a few weeks later..
They just don't get it..20 stretches, 10 machines, free weights, mat exercises and I never went back..
I decided that I am just too much of an introvert to enjoy exercising in a gym..
So now I am trying to walk with friends and do exercises with a dvd at home..
Do you think finding a walking friend and doing an exercise DVD would be a good start??
Private yoga instructions are available anywhere that offers yoga classes. If you are looking for a calm, accepting person to help you get moving, a yoga instructor would be hard to beat.
In addition to the increase in flexibility and strength, the breath work of yoga might help you learn to manage your panic symptoms.
Want to thank you all for your suggestions. I am definitely going to research the yoga further.
Appreciate the feedback. This was a tough one to post. That feeling of being the kid in gym class who no one ever picked never (have had the anxiety since childhood) kinda stays with you forever it seems.
I think a beginner yoga class would be very helpful. Sometimes you can find one that is a little more specific. In Chapel Hill/Carrboro a couple of years ago a studio was running a "Yoga for Men Who Aren't Flexible" class. You might find one that is more up your alley.
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All great suggestions
