Having Asthma? Thinking It as a Barrier to Exercise?

You have asthma and regret your inability to exercise. If this sounds familiar, breathe a huge sigh of relief. This is a misconception that many people have. It is a myth that individuals with asthma should not exercise. There is no harm in exercising with asthma. The only thing you need to bear in mind is that you should be extra cautious.

Why is it so? Have you ever pondered over this? We breathe through our nose. Our nose acts as an air filter. It controls the humidity and temperature of the air that enters our body. When we exercise, our body's need for oxygen increases. To keep up with this demand, we begin to breathe with our mouth also. But, unfortunately, our mouth does not have the air filter that the nose has. As a result, the air that enters our lungs through the mouth is cooler and drier than usual. If you have asthma, then your airways tend to be quite sensitive to the entry of such type of air. And as Newton's Third Law of Motion says, 'to every action there is an equal and an opposite reaction'. So, the airways respond to this stimulus by contracting, resulting in a narrow airway. This precipitates in the form of various symptoms like - wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath etc.

Considering this, it is essential to first consult your doctor. A detail medication examination is highly recommended. It is equally important to be well informed about your medications (when to take them and how long do they have their effect).

Once you have secured your physician's permission, you can go ahead and plan out your work out. While planning your exercise program, include a slightly longer warm up session. This low intensity work out will prepare for the higher intensity work out that is to follow. Also, do not abruptly end the exercise session. A detailed cool down is essential to bring your body back to its pre exercise level.

Remember:

* It is always safe to exercise on the lower end of your target heart rate.

* Rest is very important. Learn to listen to your body. Whenever it demands rest, fulfill it.

* Activities like walking, cycling, and swimming are ideal for individuals with asthma because they are low intensity exercise and tend to exert less load on the heart.

* For those involved in strength training, it is advisable to rest adequately between the sets.

* Keep your inhaler close to you.

* Check that your asthma is under control, if not, then it may be hazardous

* Protect yourself from asthma triggers. Instead of exercising in open air (grounds), work out in a closed environment or a less polluted area.

* If you begin to experience symptoms of asthma while exercising, then stop your work out and use the inhaler. If symptoms still persist rush to a nearby hospital.

Exercising has certain advantages for people with asthma. It strengthens your muscles, improves your immunity and helps in maintaining or losing the body weight. All these factors in turn, aid in controlling asthma. Hence, exercising helps individuals with asthma. So, do not run away from exercise, but run to exercise your body.