Got Exercise-Induced Asthma? No Sweat!
By Donna Stark
Daily exercise can be hard enough as it is, but if you are somebody who suffers from exercise-induced asthma, it can seem downright impossible at times! And that's unfortunate, because there are so many benefits that come from daily exercise. For asthma sufferers in particular, the benefits can be even more important as exercise can strengthen lung function, improve breathing, and reduce stress and anxiety. Exercise is definitely something you don't want to miss out on, but what choice do you have when you can't even breathe? Well, the choice isn't about whether you are going to exercise or not, it's about choosing which exercises are right for you! Here are some suggestions.
Swimming
Swimming is a great exercise for asthma sufferers because it helps to strengthen the muscles used for breathing. Plus, if you swim indoors, you can avoid both those heavy-pollen days in the spring and summer and the cold, dry air that can often exacerbate asthma issues in the winter. One thing to be aware of though, is that too much chlorine could trigger an attack, so keep that in mind when you step into the pool area.
Yoga
Yoga is a great exercise that encourages you to relax, stay calm, and control your breathing. In addition to strengthening and toning your muscles, many of the poses can also open your chest and airways which allows you to breathe better.
Weight Training
Weight lifting is an excellent exercise for asthma sufferers and a great alternative to cardio. It can help you build strength, improve muscle tone, lose weight, and increase stamina, and because there is a period of rest between sets, it can provide all of those benefits without affecting your breathing too much.
Walking
Walking is a popular low-impact exercise that many asthma sufferers find easy to incorporate into their daily fitness routine. It can help you burn calories, lose those extra few pounds, strengthen muscles, and reduce stress and anxiety. Just be sure to keep an eye on those pollen counts or walk during the early morning when they are typically lower.
Golfing
If you enjoy a friendly game of golf between friends, go ahead and tee up! Golf is a good option too because even though there may be a lot of walking, your actual physical exertion is on the lower side of the spectrum. It's important to remember the pollen count with this too, though! Plan your tee times early in the morning for easier breathing.
Exercises for Exercise-Induced Asthma
Don't let asthma keep you from staying as active as you can! Try different forms of exercise to see what works best with your condition and have fun staying in motion! It's the best thing you can do for your overall health and wellness.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Richardson, Tex.