Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs, in which the airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. There are variable and recurring symptoms like coughing or wheezing, and it is also characterized by reversible airway obstruction and bronchospasm (sudden constriction of the muscles in the walls of the bronchioles). It can either be mild or severe, depending on how it affects the breathing.
Exercise can play a great role in reducing the symptoms and making you feel better; it also helps to strengthen the muscles of the lungs and the heart, making your breathing more efficient. If you have asthma, you will want to try these four exercises that will improve your fitness without being too strenuous:
1. Swimming
Swimming is a cardio exercise, and is considered one of the best exercises for asthma. It keeps the heart rate up and builds muscle strength. One of the most important benefits you’ll get from swimming is the fact that you will improve your cardiovascular fitness without putting too much strain on your body since the water will prop your body up and protect your joints.
2. Walking
Just like swimming, walking is another excellent example of a low-impact exercise that is great for improving cardiovascular fitness. Almost anyone can engage in this exercise and get all its benefits. Studies show that those who walk at least thrice a week for about 12 weeks have improved asthma control.
Although simple, walking offers great benefits that exceed just asthma control. It helps to improve posture, ward off heart disease, lower the risk of Alzheimer’s, and even promote better sleep. You can aim for a 30 minutes walk on a daily basis, and if you are consistent at it, you will be amazed at the result in weeks.
3. Yoga
Yoga is known to be an all-round stress-relieving technique with gentle stretches, and it has a lower pace compared to other workouts. It is a great option for breath control and recent studies have shown it to be a promising natural treatment for asthma. Additional benefits of yoga are that it connects the mind with the body to improve the mood.
4.Weight training
Weight training helps you to lose weight, improve muscle tone and build strength. Weighted bars, dumbbells, or weight stacks are usually used to utilize the force of gravity. You might not want to start with anything too heavy but you can engage in some simple body-weight exercises such as push-ups which are both good for building muscles and improving cardiovascular fitness.
Living a sedentary lifestyle will only make your condition worse, so get active and try one or all of these breathing exercises. If you can keep up with them, there will be noticeable changes in a matter of weeks.
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