Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by episodes or attacks of
inflammation and narrowing of small airways in response to a variety of “triggers.” Asthma
attacks can vary from mild to life threatening, and involve shortness of
breath, cough, wheezing, chest pain or tightness, or a combination of these
symptoms.
Having asthma does not mean you cannot exercise. Actually, exercise can improve
lung capacity and efficiency, and decrease the sensitivity and severity of
asthma attacks.
Tips for exercising with asthma:
- Consult your doctor before beginning a new exercise program or significantly
increasing activity.
- If your doctor has prescribed an inhaler to control your asthma, discuss
pre medication before exercise, and always carry it with you while exercising.
- Increase your warm up to 10-15 minutes, and your cool down to 10-30 minutes.
- Perform 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity 3-7 days per
week. Interval training may be more appropriate to begin a program.
- Perform strength training 2-3 days per week, using low resistance and
high repetitions. Be sure to breathe correctly by exhaling on the exertion
phase of the exercise.
- Avoid exercise in cold, dry or dusty air. Be aware of the pollen index
if exercising outdoors. Exercising mid- to late- morning may be best. On the
other hand,
swimming is an excellent exercise due to the warm, humid environment.
- Avoid exercise if your asthma is not under control.
For information on exercising with asthma, visit www.acefitness.org or www.respiratoryinstitute.com. The Campus Wellness Center offers assistance in developing safe exercise programs for individuals with asthma. Visit their website at www.gvsu.edu/wellness.
