The Best Low-Impact Exercises for COPD

Fun Fitness Activities for People With COPD

COPD symptoms may leave you dreading exercise, but the reality is that being active will help strengthen your lungs and body. Try these low-impact exercises to stay fit without making COPD worse.


Theres no question about it: Exercise can be a challenge for people with COPD symptoms. It is quite natural for those with COPD to become inactive they are avoiding an unpleasant sensation, says Richard Casaburi, PhD, MD, a professor of medicine at the UCLA School of Medicine. However, inactivity causes the muscles to shrink and lose function. The more the muscles lose function, the more difficult it is to exercise. In other words, staying healthy with COPD requires exercise, but the exercises don't have to be difficult. Here are six fun, easy, low-impact moves to get you on track with fitness without worsening your COPD symptoms.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
Because COPD is a serious condition and you want to avoid any COPD exacerbation, its important that you begin with carefully planned, easy exercises. Especially if youre experiencing a lot of COPD symptoms, start out under the supervision of a trained expert. An exercise program for a COPD patient should be guided by the severity of the disease, as well as any coexisting medical problems, such as heart disease, says Paul A. Selecky, MD, medical director of the pulmonary department at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, Calif. This is best done by a qualified respiratory therapist under the guidance of the patient's physician, and ideally means participating in a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

Walking Inside
As you progress and want to branch out on your own, doing easy, low-impact exercises is the best strategy to keep COPD symptoms in check. Walking indoors, such as at a mall with friends, is a great, easy exercise and it can help you avoid air pollutants or other irritants that can lead to COPD exacerbation, says Michael Eichenhorn, MD, medical director of the department of respiratory therapy at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

Walking Outside
Though the outdoors presents some air quality risks for people with COPD symptoms, the majority of areas are likely fine for walking if being outside is invigorating for you. Just check your areas air quality report before heading out. Finding an enjoyable setting for easy exercise tends to help you stick with an exercise program, says Dr. Casaburi. So if the outdoors is what you like, get out and enjoy walking, the ultimate low-impact exercise.

Stationary Bike
For many with COPD symptoms, a stationary bike is the perfect piece of low-impact exercise equipment. A home bike can help you improve lung function in a controlled environment; using one at the gym also provides you with a supervised setting. On a stationary bike, you can do easy exercise while reading, watching TV, or doing other enjoyable activities. I recommend aerobic exercise 30 to 40 minutes ideally on a daily basis, but at least three to four days a week, says Byron Thomashow, MD, medical director at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City and chairman of the COPD Foundation. An exercise bike is a great way to get this.

Water Aerobics
One of the best places to get easy, low-impact exercises for COPD is in a swimming pool. Many people enjoy the way the pool makes them feel carefree, which can be a great relief if youre experiencing frustrating COPD symptoms. A structured water aerobics class is a great way to move in the pool in a simple way. In general, any exercise that involves large muscle groups, like swimming, is beneficial, says Casaburi.

Tai Chi
For many with COPD symptoms, the ancient practice of tai chi is the ideal blend of low-impact exercise movements and stretches and meditation. A recent study indicates that tai chi might even be helpful for the mere act of breathing with COPD symptoms as well. Of 206 patients with COPD that were either put in a three-month long tai chi treatment group or a no-exercise control group, those in the tai chi group reported significantly fewer breathing problems over the three-month period.

Don't Overdo It
Though exercise can feel good for those with COPD symptoms, it also poses some very real risks. Thats why its critical to begin exercising under the supervision of an expert as part of pulmonary rehabilitation program. It is a good idea for patients to check with their physicians before undertaking a new exercise program to be sure it is safe for them, says Casaburi.

As you progress on your own, stick with low-impact exercises to avoid any problems with shortness of breath. If you do experience shortness of breath, stop exercising immediately, and try to get your breathing back under control with inhaled medication that your doctor has prescribed to you. If you are still having problems, seek emergency medical care.


Source: www.everydayhealth.com

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Dance to the music is always fun too, all you need is a radio or youtube and away you go.

Listen and dance to music that maybe brings your mind to a happy time in your life and place that makes you smile.

but remember dont over do it:)

I hope this helps someone here,

Love
Holly