Stress Center Peer Support

Ok guys I have gained about 20 pounds this year and I am so not happy with myself so I decided to join curves. I went Monday for the first time and was so nervous because anything that makes my heart go fast really makes me anxious. I am so afraid that I will get in there and have a panic attack. I know it is good for your heart to go fast when you exercise but for some reason it just wont register in my brain. All I can think of when I am exercising is "my hearts going way to fast I know it". How can I stop these thoughts and just enjoy my work out. If anyone can give me any advice please help!

Hi Jenbpositive, I am on my way to curves right now. Sometimes I get panicciky there but I just find a focus one the wall and I continue on.My only option is that I don't leave no matter how annxious I get. All the time I am glad I didn't.
I lost 42lbs and say what if I feel good after, which i always do.There is such a thing as "good" anxiety and curves is it.

You can purchased a small device that tells you your BPM ( beats per minute). If you know the target heart rate you are going for and what is safe for you, you will be able to watch it to be sure you are within the limits of a healthy workout.

If you panic while working out, just keep working out! You might as well use your adrenaline for something positive and working out will help it burn off faster!

It's all in your head! So be sure to remind yourself the truth- that what you are doing is healthy and is burning off excess adrenaline.
Don't believe the lies!!!!!!!!!!

I too was a member of Curves. (there hours are not conducive to my school schedule now plus invested in our own equip) Anyhow, focus on the breathing in and breathing out, focus on your arms stretching out and back in, focus on the music and the beat your feet follow, work to the beat of the music. (if your Curves has no music, get an MP3 player) Place your focus elsewhere. This approach worked for me. Have fun! Curves IS a great place!

Thank you so much for answering. I have went three times now to curves and I do get nervous but I just push through it and it is getting easier every time. They checked my pulse when I was there Friday and it was in a good range. I am so excited that I am doing it and it really is a stress reliever. I already feel so much better. I will try not to worry when I go and just take it all in with stride. You guys are all so wonderful!

Hi Jen, I highly recommend Curves! I am a Zumba teacher at one in my area, and it is a nice, small non-threatening, women's gym with personalized attention and low pressure. You aren't worried about strange men ogling you or whether you look like the person next to you on the machine. I personally think it is a great for women and for that matter women with anxiety like me. Remember that it is normal to have a racing heart and feel out of breath when you exercise. These sensations are similar to the stress response with anxiety and panic but there again so is happy excitement. You are teaching your body that these things are normal and not scary. The wonderful post-workout endorphins also help. Good luck and keep treating yourself so well!