Staying active

[lemondrop]

THE GIST

Your most comfortable walking speed reflects the health of many organ systems.

Being a slow walker does not doom you to an early death. Nor does it help to walk at a faster pace than you're comfortable going.

Staying active as you age can help all around.

news.discovery.com/human/wa...

[Hidden]

I so agree with this. I've been a right lazy bugger most of my life but taking up swimming and my trip to New York made me realise I can do more than I thought I could.

I now swim 3 times a week and yesterday I went to the gym for the first time. I didn't go mad but I plodded on the treadmill and did a bit on the bike and even managed to do some light weight training. I know my lungs are in a mess and restrict what I can do but I know the importance of conditioning with this condition. I loved it.

I know I'm very lucky that I'm still in the situation where I can do this and this won't always be the case but I am absolutely convinced its what I need to do to keep as healthy as possible. I also realise that a lot of people on here can't do this and this isn't in anyway meant to rub their noses in this.

Marie

[Hidden]

I agree too that excercise is essential even if it is slow.

I go to a PR group and they say the best excercise is feeling a bit sob but still being able to have a conversation! That can be slow or fast depending on your illness and general fitness. x

[Hidden]

Walking is a fabulous thing for people with respiratory conditions.

The BLF recommend checking out your local Walking for Health groups:

walkingforhealth.org.uk/get...

and for some inspiration on walking, see:

youtube.com/watch?feature=p...