COPD and Exercise


		treatments

		what is COPD?
		causes & symptoms
		treating COPD

			drugs & inhalers
			home oxygen
			surgical treatments
			eating right
			exercise

		help someone cope
		glossary
		expert Q & A

exercise

No matter how mild or severe your COPD is, exercise is still possible in some shape or form. You’ll be surprised how much a few moments of movement a day can help your mood and your well-being.

exercise your breathing and your body
Don’t be daunted by the word ‘exercise’ if you have COPD. We’re not talking about running laps or lifting weights. Little things like walking around the house or picking up books can help your strength. In time, you may be up to trying more exerting activities like walking outdoors or swimming. Check with your healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen.

No matter what stage of COPD you have, you should make every effort to be active in some form. Most likely, your healthcare professional has recommended an exercise plan that fits your ability and stamina, so stick to that. If you don’t have a healthcare professional-advised exercise program, ask for one.

pursed-lip breathing
Before starting your daily exercise routine, you should always ‘warm up’ your lungs. A technique called pursed-lip breathing can improve your lung function before you start exercising. It only takes ten minutes—and you’ll most likely feel the difference when you’re active. Here’s what you do.

Inhale through your nose so your stomach muscles move outward and your diaphragm pulls air into your lungs.
Exhale through your mouth with your lips pursed, making a hissing noise.
Exhale twice as long as you inhale—this is very important, as it forces all the air out of your lungs.

Once you’ve mastered pursed-lip breathing, you should do it before and during exercise.

recommended exercises
In most cases, walking is the best exercise for people with emphysema. Studies in pulmonary rehab show that regular exercise increases walking distance and improves breathing. You should try to walk 3 to 4 times daily for 5 to 15 minutes at a time, depending on your ability. Yoga or martial arts exercises such as tai chi are also recommended.

Cold and dry air can make breathing even more difficult if you have COPD. That’s why swimming can be an excellent exercise for people with COPD. You don’t have to swim laps. Just lifting your arms and legs in the water can build your strength.

special tips
There are a few ways to make exercising more enjoyable when you have COPD. Here are some important tips to keep in mind.

Use your medicine as prescribed by your doctor before exercise.
Follow the exercise plan your healthcare professional recommends.
Take time to warm up and cool down before exercise. This includes pursed-lip breathing.
Think about your breathing. Try to use pursed-lip breathing while you exercise.

For people with severe COPD, there are additional things you can do to make exercise possible and comfortable.

Move slowly. Often, people with severe COPD hurry up on the way to the bathroom or kitchen so their breath won’t run out. Try and take it slowly instead. And think about your breathing as you go. Slow, steady movements and breathing while you go is the best way to move.
Everyone with lung disease can get up out of bed and exercise 10 minutes a day. Start out by taking it one minute at a time. Every hour, get up from what you’re doing and walk very slowly across the room or around your chair. Do this 10 times a day, and you’ve met your exercise goal.
Add to your exercise routine when you feel stronger. After you feel like you’re able to move around for more than 1 minute at a time, try 2 minutes. Congratulations! You’ve just doubled your exercise routine!

You’ll be proud of yourself for making the effort to move around. The best part about exercise of any kind is that it makes you feel good—in both body and mind. Plus, if you are able to swim or walk, these activities get you out of the house and break up your day. You’ll be surprised at how much any kind of exercise can improve your quality of life.