Asthma

Why is exercise good for people with asthma?

Exercising regularly keeps the heart, bones and digestive system healthy and helps to keep unwanted weight off. It makes us feel good and more able to cope with the stresses of everyday life.

Keeping fit and active becomes even more important as we grow older. We need to keep using our bodies in order to get the best out of them. Staying physically active keeps our joints working; it helps the speed of our reflexes and helps keep us strong. Evidence from a number of studies shows that those who continue to exercise through their middle years show less physical deterioration as they get older, compared with their less active counterparts.

There are all sorts of ways to exercise that can be both enjoyable and beneficial for everyone that does not have to include hours in the gym. As fitness guru Rosemary Conley, who has had asthma all her life, says: 'Go gently at first, but even a five minute walk three times a day will make a real difference. Walk to the shops, use the stairs more, mow the lawn – anything!'

While it is true that exercise can bring on asthma symptoms in some people, there are lots of steps you can take to prevent this happening.

The first thing to do is to check with your doctor or practice nurse that your asthma is as controlled as it could be. Your ultimate aim is to do 30 minutes of exercise three to five times a week at a level of exertion that makes you only mildly breathless. We are not talking exhaustion here. And remember, as you get older, even a small amount of gentle exercise will make all the difference.

SOURCES:

http://www.asthma.org.uk