Asthma can be a very troublesome disorder. Everyone who is an asthmatic knows what it feels like to enter the "attack zone", which is the zone where an asthma attack is pending or beginning. You can read the symptoms of an asthma attack on all sorts of websites, but the description doesn't capture the anxiety, the sense of helplessness or the fact that every asthmatic has his or her particular set of symptoms that are slightly different from anyone else. Asthma is a very personal thing.
This is why many asthmatics feel that exercise just isn't for them. Yet, any exercise that builds stamina without requiring heavy exertion can be beneficial for people with asthma. Exercise increases strength and the ability of the body to tolerate asthma triggers like pollen. So, it helps on both ends, by reducing the frequency of attacks and raising physical strength level, thereby enabling faster recovery from attacks. Exercise also strengthens your lungs and heart, which has positive, long term affects on health and lifestyle. The more exercise, the more easily your body can tolerate exertion. In fact, going a long time without exercise can actually increase the chances of an asthma attack, so exercise is actually an important tool in controlling asthma.
There is debate as to which exercises are the best for asthmatics. Some suggest swimming because of the warm moist environment of the swimming pool, while others consider swimming too high a level of exertion. Weightlifting is also suggested and it is a good way to build strength and stamina. The problem is that experts haven't reached a consensus because asthma is such a personal disorder, with different asthmatics having different susceptibilities, strengths and weaknesses. Although, walking is considered the best exercise by most experts, there is some disagreement about it too.
So, the best way to exercise is to know your limitations at any given time. The first step is to see your doctor for a medical evaluation. Your doctor may be able to suggest what exercises are best to start with and may prescribe medication for controlling your condition during exercise.
Whatever exercises you do, try to build up slowly. The trick is to pace yourself. Keep aware and pay attention for signs of an impending attack and don't physically push yourself into the "attack zone." Warm up slowly with mild aerobic exercise. Always bring your inhaler with you and use it when necessary. Then gently resume your exercise only if your symptoms disappear. And give yourself plenty of time to cool down after exercise. The point is to build up slowly, never pushing yourself beyond what your body can handle at any given time.
While different asthmatics require different exercise programs, Yoga and Ti-Chi can be added to practically any program because they normally don't require much exertion but do build stamina, even though they seem quite mild. Yoga also helps build lung capacity because of its focus on breathing.
Asthma doesn't have to stop you from getting into shape. It's just a matter of taking the right approach on the gradient that's right for you.
For the best health and fitness resources online, visit Options 4 Fitness.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Kriss_L_Brooks/1347778
Blogger Comment
Facebook Comment