Asthma is a chronic disease that inflames and constricts the airways, and can cause trouble breathing for people who suffer from it. While there are different levels of severity, and both preventative and fast acting medications to treat it, some people may find that exercise becomes uncomfortable and difficult for them. Individuals with exercise-induced asthma may particularly find this to be a problem. However, having asthma does not mean you can’t keep your body in shape. Although you may have to make adjustments, you can still work out.
Instructions
1. Make sure to take your medications. If you take a daily medicine to manage your symptoms, take it every day and keep your fast acting inhaler close at hand. Often, using this inhaler 10 to 15 minutes prior to exercise can help alleviate symptoms for four to six hours, allowing you to exercise as you normally would.
2. Warm up and cool down before and after exercising. Slowly work yourself up to a pace you feel like you can manage, no matter what you are doing. If you feel your body warning you to slow down, don’t push yourself too hard.
3. Go for a walk. Walking gives you the cardiovascular exercise that is good for your body without being very strenuous. This is an activity that can be done indoors or outdoors, on a track, treadmill or even through the mall.
4. Take a swim. The moisture and humidity in the air may help airways stay open. However be aware that indoor chlorinated pools sometimes can aggravate the symptoms of asthma.
5. Consider taking a dance class or just go dancing. Not all dancing is rigorous, and it’s a bit easier to pace yourself not to mention it can be a lot of fun. Belly dancing, salsa dancing, ballet and stepping are just a few suggestions.
6. Give Pilates a try. Pilates is a low impact method of physical and mental exercise involving stretches and breathing that focus on strengthening the abdominal core. It is considered to be a gentle, yet challenging workout.
7. Biking is a form of exercise which can be done outside, or indoors on a stationary bike. It’s easy to pace yourself while on a bike, so you can work at an intensity that is comfortable, while gradually building endurance increasing time or speed.
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