How to Exercise If You Have COPD - 2

How to Exercise
If You Have COPD
Shortness of breath can make exercise more difficult.
However, exercise is an important part of treating COPD.
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT
Exercise doesn't change the lungs. Instead,
it improves the way the heart pumps blood
and muscles take oxygen out of the blood,
making the whole system more efficient.
Your exercise capacity goes up when you
do continual exercise. It's important for
everyone with COPD to do it-even those
who are short of breath.
WHAT KIND OF ACTIVITY
TO TRY
Exercising the lower legs should be your main
focus. Three activities that are particularly
suited for people with COPD? Walking,
stationary biking and elliptical training.
Strength and resistance training can be
helpful as well. Weight training helps
improve muscle function so you can stay
active longer. Start slowly if need be:
try lifting a can of soup for 10 minutes
each day.
EXERCISE CAN HELP YOU
FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH
SHORTNESS OF BREATH
If you have COPD, another advantage of
exercising is learning how to cope with
the panic that can occur with shortness
of breath. Some people describe it as the
feeling of being hit in the stomach and
unable to catch your breath.
Exercise can teach you how to deal with
that sensation and work through it. For
example, you know you're going to get
short of breath going up the steps, but now
you also know you can cope with it.
YOU CAN'T REVERSE COPD,
BUT IT'S ALSO NOT THE END
OF THE WORLD.
People who stop smoking, get plenty
of exercise, and take good care of
themselves often have a good prognosis.
With the right medication and lifestyle
changes, you can manage your COPD and
live an active life.

How to Exercise If You Have COPD

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of How to Exercise If You Have COPD

How to Exercise If You Have COPD - 1
How to Exercise If You Have COPD - 2
How to Exercise If You Have COPD - 3
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