Exercising With Asthma

[bearinbikini]

Hi everyone,

Just wondering if anyone has any tips/words of support for exercising with asthma.

I am trying to lose weight, am very unfit and have a few health conditions. But my asthma is making even walking up a moderate hill hard work. I'm on Relvar (strongest one) and Bricanyll. Trying to avoid oral steroids if possible but struggling to get any meaningful exercise in.

Feel like I'm caught in a trap! Any advice would be amazing.

Thanks in advance

Eve x

[lakelover]

Hi

I would suggest start slowly & build gradually. If you are going for a walk take it steady & then you'll be able to go further. Gradually go faster provided you can go the distance & try to increase that distance. If you try to go too fast too soon you'll get discouraged & give up. Also remember that something is better than nothing, be patient. Good luck.

[bearinbikini in reply to lakelover]

Thank you for taking the time to write such a wise and supportive comment. Too many of us put too much pressure on ourselves and I'm definitely guilty of that. All the best x

[SheilaC]

Try to do something that you enjoy and you are more likely to keep it up. I live a 15 minute drive away from the sea so go and walk along the flat promenade, rewarding myself with a coffee (in a place with a good view of the sea). There are ships to look at, dogs playing on the beach etc. I can walk along on the flat for 40 minutes and I am 73 with asthma, bronchiectasis and am recovering from 18 months of antibiotics for NTM. The sea air suits me and I don't seem to meet many smokers.

[Hidden]

I think from your description walking would be your best bet, either allot some time every day or build it into your daily routine.

You will need to do a significant amount to make a difference to your health.

You could also try cycling which can be done at a very leisurely pace but still cover a large distance so can be more easily built into your weekly routine, commuting to work, popping to the shops, visiting friends. there are a lot of 2nd hand bikes on facebook market.

As for loosing weight, although exercise is excellent for maintaining weight, improving your mental health and making you feel happier your diet is the best way to loose weight.

Going on a diet is the worst way to loose weight, you need to look at your current diet and look for permanent changes you can make. Frame of mind is the most important factor in loosing weight and walking and cycling are enjoyable pastimes that may help your mood.

Good luck.

[Blue-Breeze]

Hi. At the moment I'm on a pulmonary rehab programme, I have been told you can ask your GP for a referral ( if you have one in your area) They do a exercise programme for the first hour and a talk for the second hour. I don't think it's a big weight lose idea but could point you in the right direction with support possibly.

All the best

[hilary39]

Walking is great for your health. If you can do that on flat ground that's a great addition to your week even if it just starts at 10-15 minutes a day.

We have a stationary bike and I find that even when my asthma is bugging me I can do at least a little bit of time on the very lowest level. You could also try circuit reps like alternating between 10 sit ups, squats, lunges, wall sits etc. I can do those even when I feel out of breath.

I have had to be on prednisone and hydrocortisone all year so my weight has ballooned and I'm struggling with it, too :/ Hard to feel awful AND have to deal with weight gain AND be unable to get the nice exercise endorphins because you feel so icky.

We all feel you and empathize!

[ChrissieMons]

I found the pulmonary rehab course excellent - and I thought I knew all I needed to know about my asthma... wrong! You exercise under the watchful eyes of the respiratory team, so you know you're safe and they are very encouraging. Do find out if you can do one - it may be the start you need.

[bearinbikini]

Hi everyone,

Thanks to all of you for your robust and supportive replies. I will look into the pulmonary rehab courses and keep up with the eating healthily/walking for now.

All the best,

Eve