Asthma and exercise

RGSchroeder

I just joined this site (at Dr.'s recommendation). I'm a 59 yr old female with heat and exercise induced asthma. So what exercises can I do without tiggering an attack...using my puffer beforehand , which my Dr. suggested, helps very little.

sarahrbraun

You may need more than just your puffer. I took advair and singulair for a year. I guess I would try the treadmill, elliptical, or statioary bike until your pulmonary system is a little stronger. In 15 months I have only been close to having an attack 3 x. One of them was after hitting a new PR squatting, and the other 2 were my first time with a new trainer who didn't know me well. All 3 times I was able to head it off by purposely breathing slowly and deeply.

Flab2fitfi

start very slowly - walking on the treadmill and slowly build up speed.

I've got quite severe asthma - mainly caused by allergies but exercise used to make it worse but as I've got fitter its got better,

Annerk1

I've been asthmatic my entire life. I'm finding the the more in shape I get, the less it bothers me!

I power walk. Start slowly, do a mile at about 3 mph (20 minutes) build your distance to three miles, then try to increase your pace. I prefer walking through my neighborhood to using the treadmill. There's an app called Map My Walk for the smartphone that will track your miles and pace. Get up early and do it before it gets hot. I love seeing the sun rise every morning.

Yoga is a terrific zero impact exercise that is perfect for asthmatics. I do it daily and have never needed a rescue inhaler while doing it.

Strength training is also good exercise. I'd suggest working with a certified trainer to develop a routine that is beneficial but doesne't aggravate your asthma. I would avoid interval training--that's an asthma attack waiting to happen.

Keep yourself susper hydrated. I've found that dehydration is an invitation to an asthma attack.