I put a question up recently about what exercise folks did and whether anyone used a Wii, as I don't qualify for Pulmonary Rehab (and it's too far away) nor the exercise class that the nurse at the surgery runs as I am not ill enough (that's nice to know anyway ).
So I started an exercise class at the local community centre which concentrates on movement and gentle exercises to music, more of a keep you supple and everything in working order type thing, enjoyed it, kept up and will be continuing .
I dusted off the Wii and found the WiiFit DVD and have started doing some of the aerobic exercises on that. Balance not brilliant so will concentrate on the games that I'm better at, good fun, enjoyed it, it's got step, boxing, plus plenty of others. I can stop and start as I wish, do it at my own pace, good stuff .
I also sent for a DVD which arrived today - Functional Fitness: COPD and Asthma by Suzanne Andrews. Was lucky enough to get it from Amazon UK rather than having to import it from the US. Probably a bit expensive for the amount of exercise time on it - 25 minutes (plus other bonus bits and pieces). The exercises concentrate on working the breathing muscles and states "Increase strength and capacity of respiratory muscles; Decrease shortness of breath; Increase oxygen saturation". It can be done standing or, for those whose disease is more advanced it can be done sitting. You can use weights or soup cans or not depending on your strength. There's a variety of exercises which use all the relevant muscles and the exercises are gentle. I'm impressed and happy with my purchase and can see me using it regularly.
So, despite getting no support from my surgery other than telling me that strolling with my dog every day is enough, I feel as though I've taken control. When the weather is good enough I get a total of up to 1.5 to 2 hours strolling with the dog daily, I have my weekly gentle exercise class, I have the WiiFit and the Functional Fitness DVD that I can use regularly and feel that I'm getting "proper" exercise that's tailored to my needs and level of ability. Feeling good about that .
P.S. If anyone is interested in that DVD, remember that we are Region 2 and the US is Region 1. If you decide to get it make sure that it says "Region Free" or "All Regions". I'm not trying to sell it, just wanted to pass on that I think I am going to find it helpful.