Exercising when you have trouble breathing from COPD can seem like a challenge. But regular physical activity can strengthen your lungs, improve your circulation, make your oxygen use more efficient, and actually reduce your COPD symptoms (* Study in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine)

Different types of exercise can help COPD patients in different ways,
for example:
• Cardiovascular exercise involves steady aerobic activity that strengthens your heart and lungs.
• Strengthening exercises: Upper and lower body muscle toning can help build your strength and improve the efficiency in which your body uses oxygen.
• Stretching and flexibility exercises like yoga and Pilates can enhance coordination and breathing control.

It’s important to be careful when exercising with COPD. Increasing your level of physical activity can trigger symptoms like shortness of breath. Talk to your doctor before you begin an exercise program.

Start small
When exercising with COPD, it’s important not to overdo it. Increase the amount of time you exercise very gradually, starting with something as simple as coordinating your breathing with daily activities. This can help strengthen postural muscles used for standing, sitting, and walking.

Breathing
Shortness of breath when you work out means you need more oxygen. You can restore oxygen to your system more quickly by slowing down your breathing. Focus on inhaling through your nose with your mouth closed, then exhaling through pursed lips. Regular exercise has special challenges for those living with COPD, but the benefits can outweigh the difficulties. By learning proper techniques and using precaution, physical activity can become one of the most important tools you have to manage your condition.

Find out more about our COPD Service here, and our COPD Team here.