When Penny Weston was in elementary school, she was diagnosed with asthma. She noticed she was out of breath while running up the stairs. “I avoided any sport or PE and just wasn’t active,” she said. Asthma makes exercise more difficult, especially for those who like to move, and Weston knows how debilitating it can be. Exercise can help asthma, says Dr. Sophie Vergnaud, pulmonologist, and hospitalist for GoodRx.
Your body pumps oxygen through your lungs when you exercise. HIIT and other stop-and-start exercises helped Weston reduce her asthma severity. Some athletes, such as David Beckham and Amy Van Dyken, exercise successfully with asthma, so you can, too. Here’s some advice from doctors:
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Follow General Asthma Self-Care
Consult your doctor about asthma management. You may need to take your prescribed inhaler daily, stop smoking (or avoid smoking when possible), and follow your doctor’s asthma plan. Additionally, she mentioned avoiding triggers (more later), exercising with someone aware of your asthma, and doing strength-building exercises rather than aerobics.
Find An Exercise You Enjoy
Extreme exercise, competition, or intensity can lead to disaster. Plenty of exercise and sports are “safe,” says Vergnaud. Cycling, baseball, basketball, gymnastics, golf, and dancing were among the activities she mentioned. She said it is more challenging to participate in endurance sports in extreme temperatures, such as cross-country skiing, soccer, or long-distance races.
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Gradually Build Up Your Stamina
You should still be mindful when trying new sports and activities, especially if you’re new to them. Dr. Paul O’Connell, a general practitioner in Cardiff, Wales, suggested exercising cautiously and seeing how your body reacts once you understand your asthma.
Remember that even light exercise can help you feel better than sitting on the sofa or at a desk. You might also consider “exercise snacking” or moving your body for short periods during the day. O’Connell also recommended exercising locally and bringing an inhaler (and a phone) in an emergency.