I really need your help. I have not exercised at all for three years, and now I'm too nervous to resume my once regular exercise program. My body is all stiff now, and I know I must get up again and head for the gym. But I'm so nervous about the possibility of injuring myself on that treadmill, Stairmaster, etc., that my hands break in a sweat each time I picture myself on that equipment. The nervousness heightens every time I recall a morning last winter when I slipped and fell in the snow, injuring my right knee! How do I overcome this newly acquired "fear of exercise" feeling? I really miss those good old days (three years ago) when I used to feel so physically fit and so healthy! I want my old life back! Please help!

Once again, real fears are not something to be dealt with without a face-to-face with a good counselor who specializes in treating anxieties. And the fear of reinjury is quite real.

But if this is something that does not cause you severe distress, I would recommend the following, to help you regain a sense of control:

1. Start at a gym with very good supervision.
2. Have the fitness trainer sit down with you and create a workout plan.
3. Include a stretching regimen.
4. Schedule your workouts with the trainer there.
5. Start gently; go for a certain length of time at an easy or moderate pace.
6. Alternate your time on various machines (12 minutes walking briskly on a treadmill, 12 minutes on a rowing machine, 12 minutes on an eliptical trainer or Stairmaster).

And there are a few things you can do to mentally prepare yourself before you go to the gym. Try a relaxation breathing strategy -- a few moments of deep breathing to the count of four and releasing your breath with an audible "sigh" for the count of four. Then, in your relaxed state, picture yourself successfully completing your gym routine, with a smile on your face. Be patient and positive, and you will see progress.

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