Exercise and asthma

[Lonie_x]

Hey so I’m looking for suggestions of any online communities for asthma and exersizing , I’ve seen there’s several groups on the Fitbit but there doesn’t seem to be any for purely asthma and exersize. If anyone knows of anything like this please drop me the links below. Much appreciated in advance 😊

[Hidden]

Hi Lonie_x

Welcome to the forum, do ask any exercise questions you have here, there are quite a few people who are active. There is a ParkRun group for people with asthma on Facebook, while it might not be your exercise, I'm sure the people there have lots of experience doing all kinds of exercise with their asthma so might be a good starting point: facebook.com/groups/parkrun...

Hope that helps,

Dita

[Lonie_x in reply to Hidden]

Thanks will have a look at that. I’m looking for something not Facebook based really but I will give it a look over 😊

[Minushabens]

I have been working with a dance tutor at the school where I work recently. I was joking saying that her warm-ups were enough to cripple me, never mind the actual dance routine. I have had to teach some of the dances & trust me, it's a sight to behold.

Anyway, that's not the point! As part of the conversation where I was bemoaning the appalling state of my health, someone mentioned weightlifting. My colleague said that she had a friend who had seen improvements in lung function by doing it, probably she thought because it is opening up airways somehow or another.

I'm far too lazy to start pumping iron, but perhaps that might be something worth giving a go?

[Lonie_x in reply to Minushabens]

That sounds like an interesting story I bet you had some fun there 😊, the lifting weights has always been interesting I’ve heard the same with swimming actually too. And for a while that did seem to help while I was consistent with it. I’ve been going to classes at the gym for a few months consistently and while I enjoy them I find that I’m needing to use my blue inhaler a lot more than I used to. And it’s just a bit downheartening. Feeling less adequate than the level fitness I would like to be at.

[Minushabens in reply to Lonie_x]

The comparison between an ultra-fit 20-something dance instructor & an ultra-knackered 54-year old teacher with lung problems trying to co-teach a session is indeed a sight to see! I just tell the kids that I'm an old man & they have to respect the elderly. Not that the little buggers do.

I always heard that swimming was good for asthma - unfortunately, I developed ABPA a few years ago so swimming is a no-go area these days due to the damp environment. I know a few asthmatics that have chlorine as a trigger but not all by any means.

[Lonie_x in reply to Minushabens]

Haha! That’s kids for you. Ah I see that’s unfortunate. I wasn’t aware chlorine could trigger it either.

[Minushabens in reply to Lonie_x]

It doesn't necessarily for everybody - probably one of those try it & see things; you might be ok.

[Lonie_x in reply to Minushabens]

Yes I’ve never had issues swimming before and the lungs do seem easier afterwards. Thanks

[risabel59]

Hi Lonie

Quite a lot of people here are fit. I ran the marathon for Asthma UK this year and I have moderate to severe brittle asthma. But touch wood I’m pretty well at present.

I think that one really important tip I can give is always take a good long time to warm up before any intense cardio. I am runner and I play golf. I do strength training twice a week, which my consultant said was essential for bone health. I do ease back if my asthma is bad, but I don’t stop unless I have a fever. Even if it means walking instead of running, and less intense works and reps in gym.

Exercise is one of best things you can do for yourself. My respiratory consultant says that he thinks my fitness keeps me out of hospital. Because of my fitness my lungs cope better when I get sick.

R x

[Lonie_x in reply to risabel59]

That’s amazing well done 😊. Running is something that I struggle with currently. I’m trying to build up in other areas so I’ve been doing boxing and other aerobic classes as well I used to do yoga for many years but running just seems to allude me. Ive tried previously but I just get so annoyed at myself when I need to stop or slow down as my body isn’t tired but the lungs just won’t handle it. I think as u saynta building up to things.

[Gareth57]

Hi Lonnie, I cycle and find it improves my symptoms, but it did take a long time to get fit, about 2 years, but I got there a this year completed my first 100 mile ride. As a precaution I use the ventolin inhaler before starting out, and during if I feel any tightening in the chest.

[Lonie_x in reply to Gareth57]

Ah amazing congrats 😊. I’m having to do similar , I’m using the ventolin before hand my asthma nurse advised this half hour before doing any work out as mine comes on from exersize more than anything else annoyingly enough. And a couple times throughout if needed. Hoping this will work out less and less need for as fitness increases.

[Poppie12]

Hi Lonnie I do martial arts, run and cycle. Recently had a repeat spirometey (reflux consultant is a nightmare) my FVC prebronchodilator is 3.123 FEV1 2.9 predicted 3.3 and 2.9 however post is 3.7 and 3.45. GP think my fitness level means my symptoms are minimal.

I’m hoping to do a tough mudder next year

[Lonie_x in reply to Poppie12]

Ah that sounds really good,tough mudder sounds great ! I’m sure you’ll do really well. I’ll be honest here I’m vaguely familiar with these terms your mentioning however as someone who until the last couple years or so refused to accept I had a diagnosis of asthma I’m not as up on what everything is short hand etc so you’ll have to bare with me.

[SteddyEddy]

Hi Lonie, I’m into cycling, only had asthma for a few years just have to take everyday as it comes so many things effect me. We tend to go on cycling holidays couple of times a year doing anything from 50-100 miles a day it seems to take longer to get fit and some people really don’t understand it they think you just need to take your inhalers and your all better! Just on the way home from cycling in Normandy first night in the hotel there was an air freshener that effected me I wasn’t able to cycle the next day my lungs were too painful. I believe exercise is so important for our lungs. Good luck xx

[Lonie_x in reply to SteddyEddy]

Yes I totally understand that actually , I’m still working out what my triggers are aside from exersizing it seems the older I’m getting the more they’re appearing. So some days I’m fine with working out as u mentioned with cycling but then the next I’m out and I’m not sure why. Trial and error and see what I can cut out dietary etc it’s a long process. I’ve definitely fallen into the trap of thinking oh I’ve had my inhalers I should be on top form now. I think part of it for me is the accepting that I need to give myself a break and not get annoyed so much at it.

[Poppie12 in reply to Lonie_x]

Think about locations I often go to a forest near us with my son to either cycle or walk but we did centreparcs last year and I suffered badly

[elanaoali]

Swimming no question for me and swim fit/aqua makes my peak flow 80 more than what it should be. I was asked once by an asthma nurse why it was so good as I was same age. She said Do you Run. I said No I swim. She said that explained it. Would love to cycle but due to painful bladder syndrome can't put strain on pelvic floor. So we adjust to what we can do. I use to do spin and aerobics now above and plates.

[Lonie_x in reply to elanaoali]

That’s great. Yes it’s deffinatley about adjusting.