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Gaining strength with Asthma

Thompson_2009 profile image
10 Replies

Hi

Just wondering if anyone else here does strength training like lifting or calisthenics and has trouble with strength gains. I am convinced the reason why I struggle is because of decades of taking meds for asthma has an affect on strength gains???

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Thompson_2009 profile image
Thompson_2009
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10 Replies
runcyclexcski profile image
runcyclexcski

I found that it's difficult to push oneself with asthma (which ultimately is responsible for the gains), b.c. one always has to hold back. I exercise with a respirator on, and I can never run at the same speed as I used to before asthma, and getting fit gets much longer.

Poobah profile image
Poobah

I used to hit the gym, did some exercise on the cross trainer for a good warm up, but I mainly used resistance machines as I found them the easiest to use and build up my strength.

Rhosyncoch profile image
Rhosyncoch

I have thought the same and started strength training and though my progress is slow it is still worth doing it’s just slower. Lung capacity does have an impact. Good luck.

DaveW27 profile image
DaveW27

Hi, I've been taking relvar and montelucast for years but am still able to go to the gym regularly 3-5 times/week. I find I can make strength gains but you do need to go regularly and eat correctly. I do get a little breathless on leg day when squatting but again am able to increase the weight but there is a limit to that for us all. I suppose it depends where you are on the scale of what weight you can lift personally. We are all different and of course we are all getting a little older. Exercise is important and as long as you can exercise regularly you're not doing so bad, perhaps you may need to change your routine? I am sure a GP can advise you better but all the best.

Thompson_2009 profile image
Thompson_2009

Thanks for the replies, I don't lift weights any more, just do body weight mostly. Building muscle is not much of an issue, it's the strength gains I really struggle with, I been doing some exercises for years and just don't get stronger. I am convinced it's due to the meds.

peege profile image
peege in reply to Thompson_2009

It's possibly that your asthma has deteriorated a bit or age related. Nothing seems to work as well as I/we age but don't stop exercising to the best of your ability.

Thompson_2009 profile image
Thompson_2009 in reply to peege

My asthma has virtually gone now I am getting injections, it's amazing to get my life back after 25 years. I can have a normal life at last. I just wanted to know others opinions on strength training and taking asthma meds.

runcyclexcski profile image
runcyclexcski in reply to Thompson_2009

Which injections are you taking, may I ask? Strength training is generally easier to do with asthma than endurance exercises, like running, b.c. it involves bursts of activity, as opposed to long grinding pain fests. I wish I could do strength training, I just find it boring :).

Thompson_2009 profile image
Thompson_2009 in reply to runcyclexcski

the injection is benralizumab, they had to give it to me in the end because i was so ill, my test results were horrendous, once I had the jab, asthma has almost gone.

runcyclexcski profile image
runcyclexcski in reply to Thompson_2009

Congrats, sounds like you found your miracle drug! I tried Benra last year by switching to it from Xolair, and I got much worse within 2-3 months, so it did not work for me. I guess Benra, by being specific to IL5, works miracles for those whose asthma depends on IL-5, but has no effect on those whose asthma does not involve IL5 (or not as much).

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