Physical Health: How to Exercise with COPD

Summary

Someone living with COPD or another chronic lung condition can be reluctant to exercise because it makes them so breathless. Nevertheless, staying active with COPD can help the condition by helping the lungs and the rest of the body stay strong. There is plenty of expert support available to help anyone exercise with COPD.

Introduction

Individuals with breathing problems can have shortness of breath during exercise or during everyday activities such as washing or dressing. Many avoid the unpleasant symptoms by doing less activity and being more sedentary.

This behaviour can lead to a vicious circle of avoiding activities, which then results in getting out of shape or becoming deconditioned, which in turn can make the breathlessness worse. Staying active can help both your lungs and the rest of your body stay strong in the face of COPD.

What Can You Do?

If you are living with or supporting someone with COPD then aiming for an ideal body weight can be helpful. Exercising while carrying excess weight can make breathlessness worse. However, if weight loss is a problem, then making sure to have a high energy snack after exercise can help to avoid further exercise related weight loss.

Gently and steadily increasing the amount of activity you do can also be helpful. Activity does not have to be strenuous, gentle exercises such as walking or gardening will be helpful.

A doctor, respiratory nurse, or lung specialist can also help you stay active.