Over time, studies have shown that exercising usually brings major health benefits, increasing the level of happiness in active people, but it seems that there are some situations when this activity can cause stress and anxiety. So, in this case, what needs to be done? If the thought of starting a fitness routine is stressing you, it means that you are one of those people who need to solve this problem as soon as possible, because stress can adversely affect your health.
According to Raffi Bilek, a licensed therapist and director of the Baltimore Therapy Center, people get stressed when they try their best to look a certain way, but they have this goal only because the society says so and they feel pressured. “It’s often an impossible ideal to attain, or at least it certainly seems that way. And that fear of failure can contribute to anxiety over even getting started,” he explained.
Other reasons include the fear that someone will judge or laugh at them while they work out, or because they don’t know how to use the gym machines or perhaps from body image issues. All of these reasons can lead to stress and anxiety. Symptoms of exercise stress and anxiety include fast heartbeat, sweaty palms, nausea, lack of appetite, worry and imagining bad things.
“From my experience, I can say that anxiety is the main reason that keeps people from going to the gym or starting a new exercise routine,” said Grace Dowd, a licensed clinical social worker in Austin, Texas. “The irony is that exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress and anxiety.”
So, here are some tips on how to fight the stress and anxiety associated with your fitness routine. Read on for more info!
