Exercise and Asthma

[btelli]

I have asthma and have always had a difficult time with exercise and sports. In elementary school I was on the swim team and quit because of my asthma and some anxiety issues. My go-to exercise now is walking, which I really enjoy, but I would love it if I could run in a 5k someday without being out of breath in a matter of minutes. I’m sure this takes a lot of training and I would have to condition myself slowly to that kind of vigorous exercise, but I don’t know where to start. I have never known anybody else with this issue that had much of an interest in exercise. I feel like maybe deep down I am using how I might feel physically as an excuse not to train myself to be capable of doing this because I remember how awful I felt as a kid after swim meets or after running.

Does anyone have any experience with doing vigorous exercise while having asthma? What are some things that I could do to prepare myself for running long distances, or even just going for a jog rather than a walk? Keep in mind that I have to be careful of pollen levels and humidity as well.

 

[howremarkable]

I have the same issue. Although I've kinda been slacking on the fitness front lately, I know that breathing exercises help tremendously. Practice taking HUGE breaths, then letting them out a little at a time, extending exhalation as long as you can (within the realm of safety). This will gradually increase the capacity of your lungs, reducing the strain placed on them by intense cardio exercises (like running).
Even when walking, closely monitor your breathing pattern. Make sure it's consistent.
Finally, try some slower, low-impact exercises to strengthen your muscles. As you build them up, your body won't have to work as hard to move/oxygenate blood. Slow-pace weight lifting and static stretches are both good ways to accomplish this.

I wish you the best of luck on this journey. It's not always easy, but it'll be worth it when you finish that 5k. Stay strong

 

[btelli]

I have the same issue. Although I've kinda been slacking on the fitness front lately, I know that breathing exercises help tremendously. Practice taking HUGE breaths, then letting them out a little at a time, extending exhalation as long as you can (within the realm of safety). This will gradually increase the capacity of your lungs, reducing the strain placed on them by intense cardio exercises (like running).
Even when walking, closely monitor your breathing pattern. Make sure it's consistent.
Finally, try some slower, low-impact exercises to strengthen your muscles. As you build them up, your body won't have to work as hard to move/oxygenate blood. Slow-pace weight lifting and static stretches are both good ways to accomplish this.

I wish you the best of luck on this journey. It's not always easy, but it'll be worth it when you finish that 5k. Stay strong

Thank you, that’s really helpful. For a while I was slacking as well, but I’ve recently decided to start walking my dog more often, not only to benefit her, since she is stuck at home while I’m at work, but to benefit myself as well.

I always assumed that if I just exercised more over time, my lungs would adjust to the changes, but doing breathing exercises sounds like it would be even more helpful. Hopefully and I build myself up and reach my goals!