Asthma sufferers might be afraid to exercise because of the chance of setting off an asthma attack, but exercise actually can be beneficial for controlling asthma. Medications assist in controlling asthma as well, though specific guidelines should be followed when taking medication to make exercise safer. Although you might think simply taking medication is enough, meds won't cause the increase in muscular strength, size or endurance that you can get from weightlifting.
Weightlifting Risk
Five percent of Americans suffer from asthma, according to College Sports Scholarships. Weight training along with other low-intensity sports such as golf and baseball are a low risk for stimulating exercise-induced asthma, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. Exercising indoors instead of outdoors reduces the risk of an attack. College Sports Scholarships suggests wearing a scarf or mask if exercising outside to protect you from negative effects from cold weather.
Weight-Training Tips
The ACSM recommends 45 to 60 minutes of warm ups before exercise training. Dr. Gabe Mirkin recommends at least 45 minutes of warm up before sports competitions as well. If you use an inhaler, drink water afterward to clear your throat. Also drink water to remain hydrated. Inhale through your nose throughout your weightlifting session and stay away from anything that can trigger an allergic reaction, such as pollen.
Weight Training and Anti-Inflammatory Medications
College Sports Scholarships recommends that you take medication prior to exercise and that to avoid side effects you should not exceed your recommended dosage. Different medications require different time periods. Anti-inflammatories such as corticosteroids generally require less time than other types of medication. The ACSM advices that you take cromolyn sodium or nedocromil sodium 10 to 20 minutes before exercise, including weightlifting. These medications give you two hours to complete your weight training workout, which gives you plenty of time for a warm up and to lift weights. Inhaled corticosteroids are taken regularly throughout the day, so be sure that you are taking them as scheduled.
Weight Training and Bronchodilator Medications
Bronchodilators are medications that combat asthma by keeping your airways open and relaxed when taken before or during weightlifting. Short-acting beta-agonists must be taken between 15 and 30 minutes before working out. This gives you two hours to exercise, according to ACSM. Salmeterol works for 12 hours if taken 30 to 60 minutes before exercise. You need to take ipratropium bromide an entire hour before weightlifting. The effects last two to three hours. Oral theophylline and leukotriene inhibitors are medications you take on an ongoing basis, like inhaled corticosteroids.
