Need to improve my health but asthma is a worry

[Claresy]

I’d love to start running again but have asthma and joint problems.. my knees seem to go as well as my chest. Any suggestions for knee supports and how to improve my lung function when running. My asthma is controlled and I hardly have my blue inhaler unless I get a chest infection. I would love to hear any suggestions. Thanks 😊

[1974lovejoy]

I’ve never run before but last year I managed Couch to 5K .. it was brilliant ... and In between some horrendous multiple asthma attacks throughout the summer months I still completed it and even managed a few park runs as well (that was my goal)... and I’m still running now just not as much over the winter. it starts of slow so my chest and joints were able to adapt at my pace .. give it a go ... never thought I’d manage it as exercise and me don’t usually go well together !!!

[Claresy in reply to 1974lovejoy]

That sounds fantastic! And encouraging for me. Thanks 😊

[1974lovejoy in reply to Claresy]

I still pay for it when I run but my mental well-being sometimes needs it ... and I only do it when I’m well .. so it’s not regular but once I completed the 5k I’ve worked out a lot of it is mind over matter ... good luck and don’t get despondent if you have weeks you struggle ... x

[Claresy]

I know I will have weeks of being like that but like you said trying will make my mental health better too knowing I’ve had a go x

[Philgn]

You don’t say how old you are, I have suffered with Asthma for 75 years and have never been able to run far without getting badly short of breath, I am working on the assumption that an asthma attack is about the equivalent exercise as running 2 marathons back to back.

[Claresy in reply to Philgn]

44 had asthma all my life

[Philgn in reply to Claresy]

Just a matter of living with it then, it’s a life style that’s an inconvenience but not unbearable, until you get COPD. then it is. I’m still going after 75 years, the first 35 years I was hospitalised regularly, and on 40mg of steroids plus an injection daily for 2 years. Hang on in there

[Claresy]

44

[1974lovejoy in reply to Claresy]

Same age as me but I got adult onset asthma 5 years ago after a viral infection ... only you and your body will know what is right ... just don’t push yourself even if you feel you can go further !!! The programme is designed so you can achieve it safely ... if you feel unwell stop ... Simples !!! Enjoy the fresh air at the same time ... 😂😁

[TheRigsby]

If running is causing you problems with your joints then find something with less impact, maybe cycling or swimming. I'm a 50 year old lifelong asthmatic, running has never been my strong suit and 4 knee surgeries over the years means it never will be. You'd be amazed at how good a workout you can get from yoga or even a single kettlebell and there are plenty of YouTube videos about them.

[hilary39]

We got an exercise bike for the house and I love using that even if it's just for 30 minutes at a light pace when my asthma is kicking up. I also have a great yoga routine on a DVD I do at hoome (very old-fashioned of me to use a DVD player, I know

[renetteoy]

I dont know if this helps but seems to work for me. (Until i panic, lol) I have brittle asthma and exercise is a massive problem. But i do a lot of sports including running. My physio had taught me how to belly breathe. So us asthmatics are usually chest breathers, so belly breathing i letting your stomach expand when you breathe rather that ur chest. If that makes sense.