Do you remember the last time you went for a long walk on the beach or took a bike ride? If you find yourself shying away from strenuous activities because you're afraid they could set your asthma into gear, it's time to come up with an asthma-friendly exercise plan.
Exercise and Asthma Can Co-Exist
Many asthmatics steer clear of the gym, track, or pool because they worry that being too active would damage their health. But actually, researchers now understand that engaging in a regular exercise routine can be good for asthma. The key is finding the right exercise moves that won't trigger an attack, since not all activities are created equal.
What You Should Know
Many doctors say that the best exercise moves for asthmatics are those that you can perform in intervals. This can be sprinting, swimming laps, engaging in gymnastics, practicing yoga, walking, riding a bike, or playing a round of golf. These types of activities can put less strain on your lungs than a sport that requires a continuous investment of energy.
It's also possible to engage in more strenuous exercises like running, soccer, or basketball if you take the time to build up your stamina first. Therefore, if you have your heart set on training for a marathon or playing in a friendly neighborhood sports league, check with your doctor about how best to train your respiratory system so that you won't experience any ill effects.
Warming Up to Asthma and Exercise
Regardless of what exercise moves you select, the best way to help reduce your chances of suffering an asthma attack is to allow time to do a warm up and cool down before and after your work out. You can also incorporate weight training into your exercise routine, since this will help make you stronger.
Setting Matters When You Exercise
When exercising with asthma, sometimes choosing the right setting can make all of the difference. For instance, if you have seasonal allergies that set off asthma, exercising indoors will probably be easier for you, particularly when the pollen count is high. For people whose asthma is sparked by chemicals, dust, and scented products, exercising outdoors may be a better choice. If the air is very cold, just be sure to cover your mouth with a scarf or wait for the air to warm up, since breathing cold air can trigger asthma.
If you have exercise-induced asthma, which is asthma triggered by activity, you may need to use your fast-acting relief inhaler before your workout to avoid an attack. You should also pay close attention to how you're feeling before you head to the gym or the track. If you have a cold or an illness, it's best to take it easy and not strain your sensitive respiratory system.
The Benefits of Exercise and Asthma
When you make exercise a priority, you can experience many benefits. Regular exercise can strengthen your immune system, improve your lung capacity, help you manage your weight, and reduce your risk of many serious illnesses.
Sources:
"Exercising with Allergies and Asthma." American College of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology. ACAAI, n.d. Web. 10 July 2011.
"Topic of the Month: February 2007: Get exercise-induced asthma under control." American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. AAAAI, 1 Feb. 2007. Web. 10 July 2011.
