6 Best Exercises to Manage Asthma

6 Best Exercises to Manage Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that causes inflammation in your airways, resulting in difficulty in breathing, constant coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. This is a lifetime condition that can be controlled rather than cured. Asthma attacks can be terrifying and are usually managed by using inhalers and prescription medications. Apart from medications, exercise is a lifestyle change that can make a significant difference in reducing the intensity of the condition. Here are some lifestyle tips for managing asthma.

Swimming
One of the best lifestyle tips for managing asthma is to take up swimming. It is a great exercise that builds your lung muscles. When you are under water, the damp air is good for soothing the lungs and hence reducing coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Swimming regularly can make the lungs stronger and hence make the condition bearable with time.

Yoga
The basic idea of yoga is controlled breathing. All the yoga poses and meditation techniques help you control your breathing process. This, in turn, makes the lungs stronger and more active. This lifestyle tip for managing asthma will also keep your mind fresher and calmer.

Biking
If you love riding your bike amidst calm and serene locations, then this form of exercise to help control your condition is something that you will enjoy. Being amidst nature and getting a chance to breathe fresher air is a wonderful remedy for asthma. You can achieve this by biking. One thing to keep in mind is to avoid hills and slopes as high altitude could worsen the symptoms of asthma.

Group walking
Do you like getting social? Then choosing group walking as a form of exercise is one lifestyle tip for managing asthma that will work for you quite well. Walking is a moderate exercise that does not put a lot of pressure on your lungs. You can join walking groups around your community or look for a walk-buddy amidst friends and peers. Walking is one of the safest exercises for asthma patients.

Golfing
Are you a golfer? You can definitely convert the game into a physical workout session by walking instead of using the golf cart and taking deep breaths while you’re outside. Golfing helps you be outdoors for a couple of hours and refreshes your mind and body.

Gymnastics
Gymnastics, when practiced under a trained professional, is also a good workout option for people with asthma. You can control your pace depending on how you feel that day. This form of exercise will help with better breathing and will also make your body more flexible and relaxed.

Asthma should not hamper your spirits and make you an indoor person. You can incorporate a form of exercise as a lifestyle tip for managing asthma. Do check with your doctor whether you would need to use a pre-exercise medication before starting your work out.