Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common occurrence in the United States today. People who suffer from COPD are usually debilitated as a result of poor mucociliary clearance, increased secretions, and frequent infections. Furthermore, these patients often experience anxiety, depression, and social isolation due to the limitations placed on their lifestyles.

Exercise, at most any level, improves the oxygen utilization, work capacity, and state of mind of COPD patients. Low-impact activities place minimum stress on joints and are easier to perform than high-intensity activities. Some COPD patients may also benefit from exercise programs that target the upper body and are designed to increase strength of the respiratory muscles.

If you are a COPD patient, you already know you expend extra energy just to breathe. If you can use your energy more efficiently for breathing, you will have more energy left for performing routine activities of daily life-or participating in new activities. Actively practicing some form of exercise, along with proper nutrition, can significantly improve your quality of life. On this page, you will find some general tips for exercising. Of course, before delving into any exercise program, be sure to consult your physician.

Warm up before exercising

Warm-up exercises include plenty of stretching. If you have chosen walking as your aerobic exercise, you can warm up by starting out at a slow pace for five or ten minutes.

Set attainable goals

Begin your exercise regimen by setting a goal you know you can achieve. Then, gradually set your goals higher as you progress. It's good to work up to sustaining your activity for 20 to 30 minutes two to four times a week. If you can comfortably do five minutes of exercise your first week, and then increase it to ten minutes the next, you will probably be able to attain this 20-minute goal. As you achieve each goal, however small, you are more likely to continue your exercise program.

Vary your activities

Alternate your exercise activities such as swimming, walking, upper-body weight training, and low-impact aerobics. If you get bored, you are less likely to stick with it.

Choose activities you enjoy

Exercise shouldn't be something you dread-have some fun with it! You may need to try a number of activities before you find the one(s) best suited to your lifestyle.

Exercise with a friend

Not only will you motivate each other, you should always be able to carry on a comfortable conversation while exercising. And what better way to make sure you don't overdo it?

Don't make excuses--Just do it

If your physician approves your chosen low-impact activity, don't make excuses why you can't begin--just do it! You can perform plenty of activities while wearing a supplemental oxygen setup. Any exercise is better than no exercise at all. Start slowly, and as you begin to reap the benefits of exercise, you will soon find you want to do more.

Take time to cool down

Cool-down activities, such as stretching or walking/swimming at a slower pace, will round out your exercise period and bring your heart rate back to normal.

Stop if you experience a problem

If you become nauseous or dizzy, feel weak, have palpitations, become short of breath, or experience pain, stop exercising immediately. You may want to consult your doctor, depending on the degree of pain or discomfort.

Set your own pace

Proceed at a pace that is comfortable for you. You're not in competition with anyone but yourself.

Reward yourself

As you reach each of your goals, however small, reward yourself in some way. You deserve it!

 

Reviewed: August, 2002.