What I’m including in my new exercise routine with COPD
How changing up our workout regimen can benefit our overall health
Last week, I noticed that it took very little for me to find an excuse to put off exercise. This isn’t normal for me, so I decided it was time for a change.
I recalled an article I’d recently read about the benefits of changing up your workout routine. I wrote about the importance of changing my exercise routine last year and tried to follow my own advice, but I got so busy that I neglected to make any major adjustments. I did add some stretching and balance exercises to my daily regimen, but otherwise, I’ve been doing the same thing for about eight months.
The topic came up during a recent Zoom meeting for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, prompting me to rethink my workout routine.
As I create a new exercise plan, I must consult the experts to see what I should include. I also need to keep COPD and my personal preferences in mind. I don’t like burpees, so I won’t include those in my regimen. Plus, as the American Lung Association notes, “Exercising for too long or too [intensely] may cause injury, shortness of breath, or other COPD-related symptoms.” We should always consult a doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
4 types of exercise
The National Institute on Aging recommends including all four types of exercise — balance, endurance, flexibility, and strength — in your regimen, as each offers different benefits.
For endurance, stationary bike rides and trail walks will continue to be my mainstays. These are both easy for me to achieve regularly, and having two options allows me some flexibility.
I need to change my strength training schedule, though. Instead of doing it in the evening when I’m often too tired after walking or riding my bike, I’m moving it to the morning. Scheduling these workouts for a time when I have more energy makes sense to me.
I work on flexibility and balance in the morning after taking a warm bath or shower. The warm water loosens up my muscles, making it easier to stretch. My primary care doctor has prescribed me a series of stretches, and doing them every morning helps keep my arthritis symptoms at bay.
I’ve made an appointment to attend SilverSneakers classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at my local senior center. This fitness program is designed for older adults and offers classes online as well. I haven’t done in-person exercise classes since my college days, so I’m looking forward to this new experience.
The classes are also an opportunity to meet new people. One of my friends told me that she likes participating in board games and card games that the center sponsors. I need a social outlet to replace the socialization I enjoyed at work, and I think pairing socialization with my fitness routine will be beneficial.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 is on the rise again in my area, so I must consider wearing a mask while I exercise. Fortunately, I’m current on all of my vaccinations. This is one of those situations where I need to weigh the benefits and the risks.
When things get stale, we may need to spice them up with new friends, experiences, or activities. It seems harder to embrace change as I age, but I’m excited about my new exercise routine.
If you’re looking for ways to change things up, the COPD Foundation offers excellent videos about starting a workout regimen. Again, be sure to check with your doctor first.
Note: COPD News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of COPD News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
About the Author
sandra danza
I bought off amazon the old Jane Fonda yoga DVD, its just perfect for women with COPD, when i do challenging poses after i can pause the dvd for a minute or two and get my breathe smooth again, it really is just perfect and i have severe copd. I also bought a over the door latch that i run my resistance band thru, sit downon my pooff and pull and build upper body strenght, my arms look great and it strengthens my back also to help improve posture.
Wanda Stevens
Thanks for the idea, Sandra Danza. I really need to get that dvd. I'm losing muscle and starting to put on weight I don't need, the past year has slowed me down quite a bit. I also have severe copd, I hope your idea can help me too. Good to hear it's doing well for you.