Exercise? Does it really help?

Whenever I bike for a few miles, I feel incredibly awesome. Best treatment by far. Too bad the effects only last like an hour afterwards, though...

Weight training, on the other hand, just bores the crap out of me. But I suppose I have that same adrenaline rush afterwards.

Hello again! Thanks for the replies. I have had some difficulty making myself go to the gym on a regular basis. So...starting this week, I've decided to work with a personal trainer for a couple months. Hopefully that will give me the jump start I need!

When you are depressed, exercising can be really difficult to do. When you are depressed and out of shape, it's even more difficult.

The trick is to take it slow and easy. Take something that you do already or sounds appealing and do it a bit say 3X a week. The first goal is to get in the habit then to build up to a more vigorous workout.

To set your expectations, I am 44, four years of family cancer, my own lung disease and depression/anxiety. I recently had a head injury, and could not swim for a bit. NO big deal, done this before so I started easy. 200 yds and I was laid flat for 3 days.....kept happening. Not my usual, normally I can go from 300 on day 1 to 1000 on my 6th workout.

I worked with a fitness person at the gym and she was like, come on, sweetie, it's going to take time. So start at 200 yds 3x/week and check in with me next week. It's been a lot of swimming really really short distances. After 3 months, I am up to 1300 m just this week, and just this week got to the point where I am feeling like I could trip, fall, and swim a bunch more. That's where the magic happens for me. So sticking to 1300 this week and then will be taking off after that I think.

Is it worth it? Well, when I swim regular, my head is softer, the inner dialogue is quieter, my monthlies are less and easier, and I eat better too.

But the most important thing is that what you are doing is sustainable, enjoyable and accessible for you on a regular basis....if it's not, you won't stick to it.

I'll throw in my 2 cents here now too. I am in a bipolar depressive episode (mild now), and my jogging makes me feel awesome for a few hours afterward. It's not only endorphins, but I've read that aerobic exercise releases dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin too.

I know the feeling of being sore at first, but yes you will begin to feel better in many ways. The routine and benefits of exersize are amazing. I love the way I think, sleep and process after a good work out. good luck with your schedule!

I really want to go back to swimming. I'm practicing Yoga (I'm new to it) and it's really amazing, it helps a lot.

The only drawback is that I'm a bit of a perfectionist (I hate that) and I get frustrated really easily and find it hard to enjoy what I'm doing.

I want to exit the damned Comfort Zone before my nerves eat me alive, any ideas?

I went to the gym for over a year and that was the best I ever felt in my life. It was hard being out in public. But I brought my iPod and just zoned out. I haven't been to the gym in a few years and my condition has gotten worse. I love love love hiking. I get exercise, and get to get away from all the noise of life. These forums seem a bit sad, as all the postings are old. But my advice which probably won't be read would be to at least do the elliptical machine. Cardio is a life saver. Just get the blood pumping.