5 Simple Exercises for People with Asthma — Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Therefore, many asthma patients avoid exercise due to the fear of triggering an asthma attack.
The good news is, there are many exercises that can be safely done by people with asthma. Some of them are:
Swimming
This excellent exercise is a low-impact activity that can be done in a controlled environment, and easy to modify the intensity to match the individual’s fitness level. Swimming helps to strengthen the muscles used for breathing, improve lung function, and increase cardiovascular fitness.
The warm temperature within the swimming pool can also help to reduce the risk of asthma attacks. The buoyancy of the water also helps to reduce the impact on the joints, making it an ideal exercise for people with arthritis or other joint conditions. Swimming is especially beneficial for people with asthma because it provides a good cardiovascular workout without putting stress on the joints.
Swimming is considered as a full-body workout that engages both upper and lower body muscles, helping to improve overall strength and flexibility. For people with asthma, it is important to start swimming slowly and gradually increase the duration and its intensity.
It is no harm to pay attention to the pool environment, where chlorine can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Swimming in a well-ventilated pool or an outdoor pool can help to reduce exposure to chlorine fumes.
Fun Walking
Walking is a simple and effective exercise for people with asthma. It is a low-impact activity that can be done anywhere, it can be easily incorporated into daily routine.
This activity helps to strengthen the muscles used for breathing, improve lung function, and increase cardiovascular fitness. It is also a great way to reduce stress, which is an important trigger for asthma attacks.
Walking can be done indoors on a treadmill, outdoors in a park or on a trail, or even around the neighbourhood. Walking can be done at a pace that is comfortable for the individual, making it a suitable exercise for people of all fitness levels.
Yoga
Yoga helps to improve lung function, reduce stress, and improve overall fitness. Yoga also incorporates breathing exercises that can help people with asthma learn to control their breathing and reduce the risk of asthma attacks.
Yoga is a holistic exercise that focuses on the connection between the body, mind, and breath. It involves various postures, breathing techniques, and meditation that help to improve flexibility, strength, and balance.
Yoga is also known to reduce stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for asthma attacks. By learning to control their breathing through yoga, people with asthma can develop better breath control and reduce the risk of asthma symptoms.
Ping-Pong
Ping-pong is a fun and low-impact exercise also great for people with asthma. It is a non-weight-bearing exercise that helps to improve hand-eye coordination, balance, and cardiovascular fitness. This ping-pong can be played indoors or outdoors and can be enjoyed with friends or family members.
Cycling
Cycling can be done outdoors or indoors on a stationary bike, making it a flexible exercise option. This low-impact exercise that can be a fun and enjoyable activity that can be done alone or with friends and family.
Exercise is important for everyone, including people with asthma. By incorporating simple exercises such as swimming, walking, yoga, table tennis, and cycling into their daily routine, people with asthma can improve their overall health and reduce the risk of asthma attacks.
With proper precautions and guidance, people with asthma can enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle. To learn more on the safe exercise for people with asthma, schedule a consultation with our internist dr. I Made Bayu Indratama, Sp. PD at BIMC Ubud Medical Centre via email at admin.ubud@bimcbali.com
