From the article: Exercise and COPD
Sometimes having the energy to exercise can be difficult, in spite of putting your best foot forward. But, some people are able to stick to an exercise they enjoy, especially if it is easy for them to perform consistently. Share what type of exercise program is easiest for you to maintain, even though you have a diagnosis of COPD. Share Your Opinion
Sit and Fit COPD DVD
- "Sit and Fit" is an excellent DVD for COPD. I work out every day. Really makes breathing much better. Great fitness. "Functional Fitness" is also a very good DVD. Exercise is very good for people with COPD.
- —Guest mildred
Water Aerobics/Calisthenics
- I attend water aerobics class 5 or 6 times a week for an hour. The class consists of approximately 30 min cardiovascular and 30 min toning with noodles or water weights. My lungs love the warm pool air. If I'm having a bad day, I always feel better after class. I am 62 with an Fev1 of 47%
- —Guest Rar
Pulmonary Rehab
- I was diagnosed with moderate COPD in May of 2012. I was a heavy smoker and quit immediately! I enrolled in a Pulmonary Rehab program that September and have been working out ever since. I go 3 times a week and my strength and endurance have improved immeasurably! I'm 72 years old and have never felt better!!!
- —Guest lwinlc
Curves
- i was diagnosed with COPD in June 2011 . I joined Curves gym in January 2012, and have noticed a big difference in my stamina. I go about 4 times a week for approx 35 mins, and would recommend it.
- —Guest scotsmum
NU Step
- This machine allows me to exercise my lower body at various levels of resistance without causing knee or hip pain as does the treadmill and bicycle. There is back support and one can also exercise the arms at the same time. Problem: machine is very expensive and not available in most "gyms".
- —Guest Joseph Tosti
Short & Steady Works Best
- I have had Bronchiectasis (a type of COPD) for some time. I find short steady exercise each day with light weights (designed to strengthen arms) strengthens my upper body, helps clear the lungs in the morning and helps me breath more easily.
- —Guest Denise Vernon
Breathing Exercises
- My mom has lung cancer. We found that these exercises (developed by a lung cancer pulmonary clinical nurse specialist) help improve her breathing. They seem good for COPD too. Hope they help others. Best wishes http://www.youtube.com/user/lungexercise
- —nsclchelp
Living With 1 Lung and Still Exercising
- Had 1 lung removed (cancer) over 36 years ago. Dr. said "jog", so I did til my knees gave out. Now I walk, up to 2 miles, 2-3 times a week. FEV1 =21%, with Spiriva I get 30%. Still manage to sing tenor in a chorale...great exercise for breathing and for managing dyspnea. Have been singing since age 5 and I credit my current living abilities to exercise and singing. YOU can do MORE than you think you can...listen to your body, then say, "just a bit more", and keep stretching your limits.
- —Guest David P. Payea
Senior Exercise Classes
- I attend seniors strengthening and balance class once a week for an hour. Wonderful!
- —Guest Rose Ann
Walking
- I love to walk.I have a walker with a seat on it.I open the top of the seat and there is a basket there. I put my oxygen in the basket -- my tubing is 8 feet long. My walker allows me to walk.
- —110731
Yoga and Walking
- I have osteoporosis as well as COPD so I must do weight bearing exercise and Yoga was recommended along with walking. I found a Yoga class at the community center and I love it. I have a stationary bike which I ride and love, but it doesn't help the osteo.
- —AppliqueQuilter
Recumbant Exercise Bike
- I still am able to ride my exercise bike in my living room. I do it 4 days per week for 30 minutes each time.
- —Alan
