Sport and exercise with others

Exercising with others can be difficult if your body or mind isn’t quite up to it.

You may, for example, notice that:

you’re worried that you’ll hold the group up;
you experience pain during or after exercise;
you get tired more quickly than others;
if you feel insecure about your body;
you find noise or stimuli bothersome;
if you do not know which sport is safe;
avoids your activities;
you lose your fitness;
You lack the motivation to exercise on your own.

Sometimes you compare yourself with others. This can be discouraging, whereas it is actually important to go at your own pace.

Exercising or being physically active with others can become more difficult due to pain, tiredness, reduced fitness, balance problems or a fear of making symptoms worse. Feelings of embarrassment or insecurity can also play a part.

Furthermore, the activities on offer do not always meet people’s needs. A group may move too quickly, be too busy or offer little opportunity for breaks. This can make exercising feel less safe.

Previous negative experiences may also have an impact. If you have ever experienced symptoms after exercising, the step involved in starting again may seem more daunting.

It helps to choose a form of exercise that suits your fitness level and energy levels.

For example, you could:

start with a gentle activity;
state in advance that you will work at your own pace;
to opt for a small group;
take breaks when necessary;
gradually increase the duration;
exercising with someone you trust;
pay attention to recovery after exercise;
Measuring success by participation, not by performance.

You can start exercising gently. Regularity is often more important than intensity.

It is wise to seek help if you are unsure which exercise is safe or if you consistently experience symptoms after exercising. Advice is also useful if fear or embarrassment is preventing you from exercising.

Please contact us if you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting or sudden symptoms whilst exercising.

Together, we’ll work out which form of exercise suits you best. In doing so, we’ll take into account your symptoms, fitness level, balance, confidence and goals.

A lifestyle coach can help you build up and maintain more physical activity in your day. A occupational therapist can contribute ideas on energy balance and feasible activities. A physiotherapist can help you build up your exercise safely. A podiatrist can provide support if foot problems, footwear or gait are a factor. In cases of uncertainty or anxiety, psychological support should be appropriate.

Together, we are looking for a way to make exercising with others enjoyable and achievable again.

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Sport and exercise with others

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