Exercise and COPD

The amount of exercise you can do will depend on your individual circumstances. Exercising until you're a little breathless is not dangerous, but do not push yourself too far. Many people are able to do a lot more if they gradually increase their activity over weeks/months.

People living with COPD sometimes become less active to avoid getting breathless. Don’t avoid activities that make you breathless: you’ll get less fit and out of breath more easily.

Keeping active is good for your lungs

Regular movement is good for your lungs. It increases the strength of the muscles around your lungs and the rest of your body. As you build strength, your muscles need less oxygen to work. This means you will be able to breathe more easily when you're active.

There are many other benefits of physical activity. It can:

• improve your immune system, helping you to fight colds and flu
• help you to manage and maintain a healthy weigh
• reduce anxiety and depression
• strengthen your muscles, helping you to walk further and reduce falls
• help improve your sleep
• improve your brain health so you can learn and remember more
• Lower your risk of other health problems. These include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, dementia, and some cancers.
• create opportunities for you to meet new people and feel part of a community.

What activities can I do?

Speak to your clinician for advice before starting a new exercise programme. This is especially important if your symptoms are severe or you have not exercised in a while.

Your healthcare professional may refer you to pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a specialised programme of exercise and education. It helps people with lung problems such as COPD.

This can help you exercise longer before feeling breathless. It may also improve your symptoms, confidence, and emotional well-being.

Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes usually involve two or more weekly group sessions. They typically last for at least 6 weeks.

A typical programme includes:

• Physical exercise tailored to your needs and abilities. Such as walking, cycling, or strength training.
• education about your condition for you and your family
• dietary advice
• psychological and emotional support

The right approach for you

It may take some experimentation to find what works for you, so allow yourself time to find the right thing. Some people find yoga and tai chi to be good activities.

There is lots of evidence that it’s easier to stay active if it becomes a habit and slots easily into your life.

Start by setting yourself a reasonable challenge. Start small and build up to something more each week. If the weather is bad, give yourself an alternate option.

Keeping the habit is most important.

Finally, remember to celebrate your achievements, big or small. All activity counts towards helping manage your COPD and staying healthy.