Why should you exercise?

Exercise and staying active are an important part of rehabilitation for chronic lung disease. You may believe that people with chronic lung disease are too short of breath to exercise. This is a myth. The truth is that regular exercise can help you feel less short of breath. Regular exercise improves your heart and muscles. It can help you feel good about yourself.

Exercise specialists at National Jewish developed this list of the benefits of exercise. Exercise increases things that are good for you, and decreases things that are bad for you. The simple truth is, exercise is good for you!

What does exercise increase?
What does exercise decrease?
How do you start an exercise program?
What about stretching?

What does exercise increase?

Exercise increases:

• Energy level
• Muscle strength and endurance
• Cardiopulmonary (heart-lung) endurance
• Ability to fight infection
• Relaxation
• Restful sleep
• Bone density

What does exercise decrease?

Exercise decreases:

• Shortness of breath
• Risk factors of heart disease
• Blood pressure
• Side effects of medicine (steroids)
• Depression
• Blood sugar levels

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How do you start an exercise program?

If you have been exercising on a regular basis, the following information will help you improve your exercise program.

If you are over the age of 35, and have not exercised regularly, make an appointment to see your doctor before you start an exercise program. Your doctor will help you develop an exercise program to meet your goals. This program will put you on the path to better health. As part of your exercise program, your doctor may prepare written guidelines not only on how to get started, but also how to continue your progress. Be sure to ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have.

Your doctor may refer you to a rehabilitation program. A rehabilitation program is a program to restore your health and quality of life through education, exercise and proper nutrition. You may work with a variety of healthcare providers in a rehabilitation program; Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Recreational Therapists, Nurses and Registered Dietitians.

Once in a rehabilitation program you will complete an evaluation to make sure you are ready to begin an exercise program with the least risk of injury. Members of the rehabilitation team will design the right exercise program for you. The program should address: flexibility (stretching), muscle strength, muscle endurance; and endurance for sustained activity (cardiopulmonary-heart lung).

What about stretching?

Flexibility, or stretching exercises, help prepare you for your exercise session by warming the muscles through increased blood flow to the muscles. This helps prevent injury. Flexibility also carries over to daily tasks by allowing you to perform them with greater ease.