Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a condition characterized by breathing difficulties caused by air exchange problems inside your lungs. Doctors use the term COPD to classify two distinct lung disorders, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. If you have COPD, proper exercise training can help you improve your health and combat the harmful effects of your condition.
Exercise Benefits
If you have COPD, the Cleveland Clinic reports, common benefits of exercise include improved lung function, increased endurance, improved circulation, strengthening of your heart and blood vessels, strengthening of your bones and general improvement of your COPD-related symptoms. Additional common benefits include sleep improvements, reduction of your body fat levels, reduced blood pressure, increased feelings of relaxation and well-being, muscle tone improvements and increases in your energy levels that allow you to perform everyday activities without developing shortness of breath or fatigue.
Initial Steps
Before exercising, you will need to consult with your doctor, the Cleveland Clinic advises. With his help, you can construct an exercise program that works best for your current health circumstances. Potential factors in appropriate exercise training include specific types of exercise you can perform, how many exercises to perform in a given day, how often you should exercise each week and specific exercises you will need to avoid in order to properly safeguard your health. If you take medication for COPD, your doctor can also help you determine how or if exercising will alter its effects.
Types of Exercise
Specific types of exercises in your COPD program will typically include stretches, aerobic exercises and strengthening exercises, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Arm and leg stretches can help you prepare for the main part of your program and increase your flexibility and range of motion. Aerobic exercises such as bicycling, walking, swimming and jumping rope improve your breathing efficiency by lowering your blood pressure and heart rate. Weightlifting exercises for your upper body can improve your breathing by strengthening the respiratory muscles in your chest.
Training Sessions
At the beginning of each exercise session, you will need to warm up your body with low-intensity stretches or range-of-motion exercises, the Cleveland Clinic notes. Once you begin the main part of your session, you can track and limit your level of exertion by checking your heart rate or pulse. At the end of each exercise session, you will need to cool your body down by doing another series of stretches or slowly decreasing the intensity of the exercises you perform. If you sit, lie down or stand still immediately after performing vigorous exercise, you may experience unpleasant body sensations such as lightheadedness, dizziness or a fluttering in your chest called a heart palpitation.
Considerations
To conserve your breath during exercise, the Cleveland Clinic recommends breathing slowly at all times. Inhale air through your nose and exhale with your lips in a pursed position. There is no cure for COPD, the NHLBI notes. Still, with regular exercise, additional lifestyle modifications and appropriate medical treatment, you can typically improve your quality of life and slow any progression of your COPD symptoms.
