Exercise and how it relates...

[Passenger Mark]

Ok... I am a big fitness nut! But I think that exercise relates to Fear of Flying.

It does for me anyways. If I pysically feel better, then I do better on flights.

Now I am not saying that folks need to start heading to the gym 5 times a week, but some exercise may do one better than they think.

I personally think that the best stress exercise is walking. Just plain old simple walking. Waking the dog, walking the kids, it does not matter.

Now I know someone will explain this better than I. But if you can get your heart rate up (for me 120 BPM) and hold it there for 20 minutes, it releases natural chemicals that act as calming agents. It works... it really does.

The night before a flight I will go on a loooong steady walk. Always does me good the next day!

Just something else to try!

[noflyingfan]

You may be onto something, Mark. The night before my flight last month, I was really anxious and stressed out (not just about the flight), so I took a good hard run. The next day, although I was nervous before getting on the plane, I didn't go to the airport sure that I wasn't going to come back. And my flight was absolutely fine.

Before my flight last week, I was too busy doing other things to do much running. I did a little, but only halfheartedly, nothing that would really be a good workout. I was a total wreck at the airport, and on the plane till cruising.

There were many other factors involved that made me more nervous about the second flight, but I think I would have felt better had I had a good stress relieving run.

The only thing about that is, my fearful flyer's mind always wants me to be a little bit fat when I fly. I decided a long time ago that SOMETIME before I die, I'm going lose those extra pounds and get in shape. So I figure if I exercise a lot and then get on a plane, God's going to say "close enough, let's strike her down now."

[graciecat14]

If you fly out of O'Hare, you can get your 20+ minute walk just getting to your gate!

Seriously though, I walk alot while waiting in the airports- it really seems to help dissipate my stress and helps me focus on something other than my fear.

So even, if you don't get your normal exercise in, try walking around in the airport. (Don't run, though. It makes security nervous).

Becky

[JPenny]

Please add another board to this one: Mark's Fitness Board. Chelle has her technical spot, and Ray has his. We all need more fitness motivation (I'm guessing about others, but positive about me!) Since we're kinda turning into a family here, why not include fitness?

Just a silly idea.

From a woman who's had six kids.

But doesn't wanna look like it.

:cry

Jean

[Passenger Mark]

I would love to do that... but I think I would get the thumbs down.

I am now 42. Three years ago... at the age of 39, I went to the Doctor for the first time in years. I had the flu, and put off going for a while.

Anyways... when I went in, they did the normal stuff. BP, weight, etc.

The Doctor came in, took care of the flu stuff, and then told me that if I did not change my habits, I "could" be dead in 10 years.

You see... I was severely overweight, and my BP was through the roof! I ate anything and everything. As I was busy at work, my lunch many times consisted of those noodles in a cup deal. Before I put it in the microwave I would throw in some cheese and butter for flavor. Geez! what was I thinking! I may as well put a shotgun to my head!

Anyhows, the Doc scared the crap out of me. He gave me 30 days to show that I could get my BP down with diet and exercise before he put me on meds for it.

I started... that day... and have not stopped since.

Now don't get me wrong... I am no Arnold S., but I am getting there!

I'LL BE BACK!

Mark

P.S. Exercise is not "that" difficult. It does not have to be some super complicated program. As I said before... take an hour out of each day and go for a steady walk. You will be amazed at how much it will do for you!

[beaugest]

Mark, I couldn't agree with you more. There are lots of studies that would back you up here.
I think a lot of us though could give examples of how exercise has helped us with our anxiety.
How many people have moaned and groaned their way over to the gym and left feeling really good.
I think what kind of exercise doesn't matter as much as it's exercise we stick with. I really like walking and it works with my lifestyle. As a mommy of 4 who owns two practices I like the time to myself and I get the added benefit of walking off the chocolate I love so very much.
Many of my clients dealing with anxiety have found yoga to be useful. I think it's calming and helps one work on your breathing(a biggie in the middle of an anxiety attack).
As for that mom weight thing...if my youngest is now 13 does that mean I can't use the post pregnancy card as my excuse anymore...:lonely

[noflyingfan]

I started running last summer to try to get in shape for my sister's wedding, which is next weekend. I knew I'd never stick to any fitness program unless I was forced to, so I hooked up with a running club through my paper, and in exchange for publicity, they gave me free entry into a series of races they do in August and September. And I got free training from a cop friend of mine who does personal training on the side (also in exchange for publicity), and I ran all summer long, finishing the whole series of races, which amounted to 26.2 miles, or a marathon. The last race was on Labor Day, and I have been running ever since, except the last three weeks I've been really bad, because I haven't had time to pee, let alone run.

Here's the thing. After five months of running at least four times every week, at least two or three miles each time, I HAVE NOT LOST A POUND! I'm the same size as I always was, and my health was pretty good to begin with. WHY DO I DO IT? Because if I'm overweight (I'm not, but I could stand to lose a few pounds), I can say to my doctor, "I don't know why I can't lose weight. I run at least four times a week."

[Jeff California]

Never tried it before a flight..

:bigplane

[sengelin]

Exercise seems to help ease anxiety, whatever the source. The folks at the Mayo Clinic have described it pretty well.

Mayo Clinic -- Exercise eases symptoms of anxiety and depression (http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=8D173381-C07B-408F-88A4D285554134E5)