Benefits of Exercise
You might feel like it is not safe, or even possible to exercise with COPD, but the right amount and type of exercise has many benefits.
Talk with your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program and discuss the best exercise goals for you. As you get started, it is important to not overdo it. Exercising for too long or too intense may cause injury, shortness of breath or other COPD related symptoms. If you do not exercise regularly, gradually increase the amount of time you exercise. Each person may have different exercise goals. In general, moderate exercise for people living with COPD may be 20-30 minutes of exercise for three to four days a week.
Moderate exercise can improve:
- The body's use of oxygen
- Energy levels
- Anxiety, stress and depression
- Sleep
- Self-esteem
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Muscle strength
- Shortness of breath
You can also ask your provider about the types of activities you should avoid and steps to take if you are starting to have COPD-related symptoms. This should be added to your COPD Action and Management Plan.
What Type of Exercises Are Good for People with COPD?
Remember, when you are active, it is important to eat healthy and drink plenty of water. If you exercise outside, avoid exercising on days with extreme temperatures or weather conditions. You should also pay attention to the air quality index.
Should I Use My Oxygen When I Exercise?
Yes! If you use supplemental oxygen, you should exercise with it. Your healthcare provider may adjust your flow rate for physical activity, which will be different than your flow rate when you are resting. Work with your provider to adjust your oxygen for physical activity.
Breathing During Exercise
- Remember to inhale (breathe in) before starting the exercise and exhale (breathe out) through the most difficult part of the exercise.
- Take slow breaths and pace yourself.
- Purse your lips while breathing out. You can practice deep breathing exercises like pursed lip or belly breathing.
Getting Started
If you want guidance on starting an exercise routine, you can contact the specialists listed below. Make sure the specialist is certified by an exercise-related professional organization, such as the American College of Sports Medicine.
- Physical therapist
- Exercise physiologist
- Personal trainer
There are many places to exercise. For example:
- In your home (make sure the space is safe)
- Around your neighborhood
- Local fitness center
- Local shopping mall (especially in the morning, prior to opening)
- YMCA
- Community center
- Wellness center
- Yoga or Pilates studio
Talk to the staff at your fitness facility about your COPD before you start exercising.
Ways to Stay Active
- Try to get up and out each day, even just to walk to another room, take a shower or get the mail. Every little bit helps.
- Light stretching is a great way to stay mobile and avoid over exertion.
- Participate in activities you enjoyed before you were diagnosed. You may need to modify them, but they can still be enjoyed.
- Set achievable goals for yourself such as taking a short walk every day.
- Check out exercise programs on your television, online or cellphone apps.
- Participate in a pulmonary rehabilitation program.
- Do you have questions and concerns about managing your daily activities like bathing or dressing? Here are some suggestions.
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Staying Active with Lung Disease
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Reviewed and approved by the American Lung Association Scientific and Medical Editorial Review Panel.
Page last updated: May 23, 2023
