feel worse after exercise?

[GeorgiaGrl323]

Was just wondering if anyone else feels worse after working out or exercising? 

I've had GAD now for a year and a half and it's 24/7 and I  just started to go to the gym and after my first work out I felt worse than what I usually do and then I decided to take a yoga class this morning and when I came out of there I felt worse.

[Zeus]

I'm not sure why that would happen but I strongly suggest you continue with the exercising program.  It not only "does a body good" but physiologically speaking, a person's mind also benefits from the work out.  Give it some time.

[GeorgiaGrl323]

I'm hoping if I stick to it, that it will subside.  I know exercise is supposed to be good for anxiety, but now that this is twice this has happened, it's almost like I dread doing it as well because of possibly how it will make me feel afterwards.  I'm just going to have to keep pushing myself.

[Zeus]

I'm hoping if I stick to it, that it will subside.  I know exercise is supposed to be good for anxiety, but now that this is twice this has happened, it's almost like I dread doing it as well because of possibly how it will make me feel afterwards.  I'm just going to have to keep pushing myself.

Yes, push yourself to do.  In the long run you should greatly benefit from it.  All the best.

[GreenThumb]

I think it's normal for people with GAD and health anxiety to feel a little more keyed-up after exercising. A lot of the body's reaction to stress and anxiety can mirror our reaction to exercise - difficulty breathing, racing heart, sweating, light-headedness, dizziness, etc. Since we're usually so overly in tune with what's going on with our bodies, it's possible that you can feel anxious during or after exercise.

I know when I first started going to the gym I would sometimes feel horrible during and after a workout - it still happens to this day at times. I experience heart palpitations sometimes when working out and it's hard not to jump to conclusions that you're going to drop dead from a heart attack on the treadmill. You just have to be strong and tell yourself that it's only the anxiety and to keep doing it - it really will help you feel better in the long run, and you can also build a little self confidence by doing something healthy for your body and mind.

As far as the yoga goes, I sometimes get a little during the meditation period, only because it's hard to quiet my racing mind and just "be". One of the best things that I have done for myself though is to keep practicing yoga - it's been so good for me. Good luck!

[Zeus]

I think it's normal for people with GAD and health anxiety to feel a little more keyed-up after exercising. A lot of the body's reaction to stress and anxiety can mirror our reaction to exercise - difficulty breathing, racing heart, sweating, light-headedness, dizziness, etc. Since we're usually so overly in tune with what's going on with our bodies, it's possible that you can feel anxious during or after exercise.

I know when I first started going to the gym I would sometimes feel horrible during and after a workout - it still happens to this day at times. I experience heart palpitations sometimes when working out and it's hard not to jump to conclusions that you're going to drop dead from a heart attack on the treadmill. You just have to be strong and tell yourself that it's only the anxiety and to keep doing it - it really will help you feel better in the long run, and you can also build a little self confidence by doing something healthy for your body and mind.

As far as the yoga goes, I sometimes get a little during the meditation period, only because it's hard to quiet my racing mind and just "be". One of the best things that I have done for myself though is to keep practicing yoga - it's been so good for me. Good luck!

I agree with this.  Exercise will get your heart pumping and key-up a person which is why a person should never exercise at night because the after effects will make if hard for you to get to sleep.  Although, after awhile exercising will make you feel better physically and mentally in fact hopefully you'll get to a point where you're addicted to it -- not really but if you miss a day or two you'll have feelings that you really need to get back into it.

[djomlacar]

I agree with Zeus that it is not very recommendable to exercise at night,or even late in the evening,since there is great possibility that body don't won't receive enough time to relax and prepare itself for sleep.it also means that you are somewhere(usually outside) working  out,instead of sleeping.Good sleep is essential for every human being,and it is even more essential for people with GAD.
Still,physical activity is almost a must-do(although word "must" is not recommendable to use with anxiety).Here is something I do to keep anxiety away: I jog for about half an hour(even hour is not too much,depends on stamina/body condition),then I do stretching exercises(they come in great number,pick ones that suit you),then I do breathing exercises(deep breathing and mix consists of deep and my "regular" breathing) and in the end I perform sort of meditation.It is however very important you do not fall asleep during meditation/relaxation,because in my experience there is absolutely no need for any kind of nap,and the only proper sleep is during the night.Sometimes when tiredness overwhelms me and I do fall asleep during day,I awake rested but anxious for hours.it is however possible that other people have different experiences,and I would like to hear them.

Hope I was of any help...

[whippetiggy]

I have posted this EXACT scenario on other boards but haven't gotten such great answers. I have this problem too. I've had it off and on for years. I joined Curves 5 years ago, went 3 times, felt awful afterward and never went back. Then I started walking on the beach in the mornings. I made it twice, I think. Felt bad, never did it again. Right now, all I'm doing is stretching. That isn't bothering me nearly as much as the light cardio. I think the explanations here are great!

[sparklet2379]

My anxiety goes through the roof after exercising and can last all day sometimes.  Lately, it's made me stay away from the gym altogether.  I can't even force myself to get through it anymore because I'm afraid of getting a bad panic attack and landing in the ER.  Oh what to do...

[RMac82]

I thought I was the only one! I've always been conscious of bodily sensations when working out.....to the point where sometimes I'll actually have a panic attack while working out and other times I'll make it without. For instance, last Thursday, ran 5K, no real issues.....felt a little panicky after the workout but not bad. On Saturday.....went 4K and panicked the entire time....to the point where my breathing was so off I was sure I wasn't even breathing at all. It was terrible. There are times where I will feel fantastic after a workout and other times not. Drives me nuts because I love working out but these feelings have been keeping me away from it lately...

[GeorgiaGrl323]

Thank you all for the wonderful advice, I know it's going to be rough and I'm not going to want to keep exercising, but I'm just going to have to push myself and tell myself to go and in the long run it will be good.  I just do not feeling the way I do afterwards and of course if I am at the gym and start feeling bad, I just want to run out of there to be by myself.

Thanks again!!!