Aerobic breathing exercises play an essential role in a well-rounded physical activity program, including those for invalids. Aerobic breathing, otherwise known as endurance breathing, need to start out slow and gradually increase in time and intensity. Shooting for a goal of 30-minutes at a moderately-brisk level on at least five days weekly will benefit cardiovascular health. Check with your doctor first.
Facts
The term invalid applies to many physical conditions. If you are classified as an invalid, according to Dictionary.com, it means you are unable to properly take care of yourself due to having a disability, disease or sickness. You may be classified as an invalid if you are disease-prone, have a weakened state of health, are home-bound or a shut-in, or are handicapped on either a temporary or permanent basis.
Water Activities
Numerous water-based activities can be used as aerobic breathing exercises for invalids. Water activities can be done in a home spa or pool or at a local venue. Water can provide many therapeutic benefits including natural pain relief, body relaxation, increased muscle strength and flexibility, an increased sense of well-being plus improved balance and coordination, according to the American Heart Association. Water contains natural buoyancy properties that prevent falling. Exercising in warm water will also provide an all-body workout that can increase heart-rate while simultaneously improving muscle strength due to water's natural resistance properties that require no weightlifting. Water activities include aerobics such as jumping jacks, water jogging or water walking. Water walking in either waist or shoulder-deep water can be especially beneficial to arthritis-inflicted individuals or those experiencing joint ailments that hinder mobility and cause immense pain, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
Benefits
Aerobic breathing exercises provide many benefits for invalids. Increasing your heart rate for an extended period of time will increase blood circulation throughout your body while enhancing oxygen efficiency, lowering resting heart rate and increasing lung capacity. Other benefits of engaging in aerobic breathing activities include raising beneficial cholesterol levels while decreasing total cholesterol and harmful cholesterol levels; decreasing blood pressure and lowering risks of developing hypertension; improving muscular strength and coordination, joint flexibility, sense of balance and overall endurance, according to the American Heart Association. Consistently performance of aerobic breathing exercises can improve mental outlook, reduce depression rates, improve self-confidence and independence levels. Aerobic breathing exercises will also reduce risks of developing a number of health ailments including heart disease, stroke, obesity and diabetes. Risks of diabetes can lessen due to exercise increasing insulin sensitivity.
Caution
Even if you do not sweat, remember to drink plenty of fluids while exercising in order to prevent dehydration, according to the National Institute on Aging. Wear proper clothing that allows ample movement. If you cannot carry on a conversation while doing moderate-level exercises, stop immediately since it means you are overdoing it. Remember to warm up for five minutes prior to exercising and cool down for five minutes after doing aerobic exercises. Keeping an exercise log can help monitor your progress and keep you on track.
