Does anyone have experience of a personal trainer ?

You may be suffering from SAD (seasonally affected disorder) ie a lack of direct sunlight to the eyes, which influences mood. With so many grey days this year, and if you're not walking outdoors, a sunlight lamp for half an hour a day may help. My brother swears by his. Just a thought. Try to stay positive.

Thank you all. That’s the thing I just lack motivation, I was all set to get up and go for a walk this morning but what I did do was watch a bit of the news then went back to bed for three hours which certainly has not helped my mood. I have resistance bands I bought them about four months ago and have used them twice I think! I do think I probably need the discipline of going to the gym,the gym l am a member of has a personal trainer so on Friday (working an extra shift this week on Wednesday ) I will make a point of going into have a chat with him .I only work three afternoons a week now so usually have Monday Wednesday and Friday off. The buses here are absolutely atrocious at the moment not reliable at all but I could walk to town in 20 minutes and walk home so that would be extra exercise. I’ve certainly got a lot to think about…this anxiety is driving me crazy, I’m sat here crying worrying about things that MIGHT happen to my children and grandchildren which is totally ridiculous and I realise that but can’t stop the thoughts coming into my head …

Shinamae good luck. Like dentists, hairdressers, GPs, cleaners and other people we have a 'close' relationship with, some we get on with really well, total trust in them, and others, though very good, we find we just don't connect.
Talk to friends, colleagues, acquaintances just like you would if you were looking for a plumber! You're looking for a motivator. Recommendation is key imo.

Exercise has never released my endorphins, but I do feel better about myself for having done it later.

Shinamae perhaps the gym isn't right for you. Where I used to live I joined a community fit club run by Age UK. It was for 12 weeks. This was in 2018 I hadn't exercised since I was at school. Because of health problems I did the arm exercises sitting down and held on to the back of the chair for the leg ones . I loved it.

When I moved here 2 years ago joined a sit fit group. Loved it as it was above a cafe and we used to sit together for a hot drink and natter. There was a maximum of 6 in the class. That closed due to Covid.

I exercised at home all I had learnt but after a while lacked motivation. So Googled sit fit classes for over 50's even though I am 63. Found my local council run several courses they where by GP referral. My GP happily did it for me. Went for my assessment and found the Active Ageing program was best for me.

It's chair based. Sit down for some exercises using a resist band which they gave us. Standing up for others and includes walking exercises. I walk with a stick. It's free for 12 weeks then £2.50 a week for between 45-60 mins.

It's held in a church hall . We are all doubled jabbed including all the instructors . Spaced out and don't have to wear our masks. There are 5 of us with a new one starting next week. I am the youngest and the oldest 93.

Our instructor doesn't let up on us. The core aims are strength and stability. I have been going 9 weeks and the church has finally let us use the kitchen so last week we had a drink and biscuits and a chance to have a natter.

I have my motivation back and do my exercises at home. My strength has improved and my stability. And makes me feel better.

Perhaps that is the sort of class that would suit you. I live in the north west. See if your local Age UK do a community fit club or if your council does.

Hope you find something that is right for you.

Walking outdoors obviously has its own benefits, but with winter coming have a look at the various Leslie Sansone "Walk a Mile" videos on YouTube.
I enjoyed these during the lockdowns and she was recommended by another Gransnet member.

Walking each day is good for fitness and anxiety and is free

Shinamae, I wish you well. I too am feeling anxious - especially first thing in the morning. Like you I am reluctant to ring GP. I have rejoined my aqua class and it's good to be back in the pool. I have also plucked up courage and joined a bicycle exercise class. Big room and not many people there. I choose a bike at the back and pedal ( very gently) for 45 minutes. This really lifts my mood ! and I feel like a different woman when I finish. I am the oldest in the class!! I recognize this is not appropriate exercise for everyone but my point is that getting moving really helps me.
I do hope things improve for you , good luck !

I’m thinking now maybe buy some weights and try to find a YouTube video and walk some more!!

Oh, and, I know I’m a bit of a bore about it these days but I find my Shakti mat very relaxing and also Paul McKenna relaxation tapes.

I miss going to the gym so much. I also used to have a sauna afterwards and enjoyed chatting to people there. But I no longer go because of covid. It really did lift my mood and released endorphins. I know people that feel the same way about swimming and cycling. A friend of mine uses a personal trainer. I think she has one of those big ball thingys. It’s worth giving it a go. Do you have a local Facebook page that might recommend local personal trainers?

Thank you both….????…Scones, no I don’t really enjoy the gym but I’m sure I would once I started to see some results and realise that could take a while…

So sorry to hear that today has been hard for you Shinamae. I have experience of personal trainers and of anxiety.

Do you enjoy the gym? I ask because perhaps if you haven't been for some weeks it's because you don't really enjoy it. Is there something else you could do that you would enjoy more and would lift your spirits? A hobby or sport perhaps? Whilst exercise is good for anxiety, it has to be something you enjoy otherwise it's just another thing to be anxious about.

A personal trainer would definitely focus your mind on the gym if that's what you want. They are not cheap though and they are not all the same. You would need to find someone who understands what you're trying to achieve with your fitness and your anxiety.

Just talking to your GP can't do any harm can it? Talking therapies might help you and then you could avoid medication. That said, in my experience medication isn't something to fear and can make life so much more bearable when one is in a bad place.

I hope tomorrow is better for you and will be thinking of you.

I’ve had two experiences with a PT. one was a waste of time and didn’t help at all. The other was recommended and brilliant. I don’t see him anymore but we are firm friends. I would go with a recommendation if you can and also a trial if you can. Not cheap either. I think mine was £45 for 90 minutes.