COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which includes ailments such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD causes damage to the air sacs that sit at the tip of your airways, making it challenging for air to move in and out of your lungs. Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, a chronic cough that won't seem to go away, and excess mucous clogging your airways. Consult your doctor if you want to perform exercises for COPD, or if you feel you may have COPD and want to be screened.
Step 1
Begin a stretching routine to elongate your muscles and improve flexibility, advises the Cleveland Clinic. Stretch before you exercise to increase blood flow to your muscles and make your exercise session more efficient. Stretch after you exercise so your muscles won't become tight and stiff.
Step 2
Walk around your home or neighborhood, but remain close in case you become breathless. Walk slowly at first, then gradually increase your speed and distance as you are able to breathe better. Breathe in a one count in, two counts out rhythm as you walk. Breathe in through your nose, and out through pursed lips. Progress to climbing stairs if your fitness level progresses and your lung capacity allows.
Step 3
Lift weights to increase muscle tone, and blood flow in your body. Begin with very light weights and basic exercises, and rest if you become short of breath. Include a good deal of upper body exercises involving the chest and shoulders to help strengthen your respiratory muscles, advises the Cleveland Clinic.
Step 4
Practice diaphragmatic breathing to increase lung capacity. Lie on the floor or a bed, and place your hands on your stomach. Breathe in slowly through your nose, and feel your stomach rise and you fill your lungs with air, says the Health Central website. Release the breath through pursed lips and feel your stomach go back down. The out breath should take twice as long as the in breath.
