Aerobics helpful for asthma

The only problem with this Gilda is having enough breath in the first place to carry out the aerobics. I have tried at home and I am gasping for air! If someone has mild to moderate well controlled asthma and they can do some aerobic exercise, it would probably do them the power of good, as it would help to strengthen the lungs though.

I used to do dancing after lung problems as a child as the doctor said it would strengthen my lungs.   I stopped when I married and had a family but then decided to join a Tai Chi class, which was very beneficial.  Unhappily it closed down so I then attended a Line Dancing class, which I thoroughly enjoyed.  Unfortunately that also closed down after a while, then my grand-daughter told me she went to a Zumba class.  I had never even heard of that form of dance but asked my Doctor what he thought and he said that as long as I took my Ventolin before I went and didn't do anything that I thought I couldn't (or rested when needed) that it would be fine.   I started this (very fast) form of exercise over a year ago now and absolutely love it.   My doctor had suggested swimming when the COPD was first diagnosed but I had never learnt to swim and had a fear of the water after going under when trying to learn.   I do have the advantage of walking our very lively dog over the park for an hour every morning, so I guess that helps as well.  I found out that I was no good at all on the exercise machines when attending a hospital visit to check my breathing power on the walking machine, could only manage the very slow walk huh!   I can walk for quite a few miles as long as I can do it at my own pace!!!

Thanks for the above post Guinevere, The zumba sounds like something I would love to try, but I will have to get a DVD to do it at home, as if I went to a class and lots of people are wearing strong perfumes, I would be struggling to breathe immediately. I had the same experience as you in the water, and I never learned to swim either! I am currently saving up to try to get some home exercise equipment such as a treadmill. I do have a stepper at home and make a point of using it twice daily. Keep up the good work with the zumba, I am pleased you have found something that is beneficial to you. I think that is the key with exercising when you are managing health issues, you really do have to find the thing that you can cope with long term. Well done.

Aww thanks bumperlady.  I really wasn't sure about this form of exercise because of the COPD but I really do enjoy it so will continue as long as I can (or until this closes down also) haha.  Looks as if you are managing well on your home exercise also - keep up the good work :)

I have got a zumba DVD from a charity shop, am going to take all my inhalers and get cracking. Goodness knows I certainly need to lose weight. lol

My husband walks our dog for two hours a day when his other problems allow it - this exercise helps him with his breathing, we are sure.

Anyone have any advice for exercises for someone with COPD and spinal arthritis, always in chronic pain [no matter how many painkillers I take] if I have the breath I cannot sit or stand for very long at a time. walking is limited to about 50 yards with a stick.

Interesting reading and seeing the different levels of skills people have.I am like Laney 365 Copd  crumbling spine, arthritis, so not much scope to exercise although I keep getting told to do so. As my GP says if I was able to I would not need any one telling me to do it, as I was a really keen sports woman in my day!!!!!  advice not a lot but I do have a few that appear to help me!!! I have an elastic band about a ft wide and 8ft long, use this to stretch my arms and shoulders, huts a bit when starting but if you take your time and do not rush the exercise becomes much easier. 

Having had many fractures in my spine I do have to be careful but find if I move slowly I can work my legs by doing leg lifts, all of the above are simple movements but do appear to help, control your breathing at the same time, being aware that you must rest when needed. I am on oxygen 24/7 so have to make sure I do not over do it. Hope some of this helps, have a BED everyone.

Hey guys, don't forget about this discussion, it is really interesting and useful.

Remember that sharing can help everyone to cope and prevent :)