Workout Routines for Asthma Sufferers

With the world’s atmosphere rapidly changing due to global warming there are more people developing asthma symptoms each and every day. Studies show that more of the world’s population suffering from asthma has increased dramatically since the 1980’s. Asthma is an inflammatory disease that occurs in the respiratory system which causes a struggle in breathing and severe muscle pain in the chest and back. Symptoms of asthma can also include: coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, and tightness of the chest. As common as this disease is, asthma is not contagious. Often times, asthma is developed during childhood during the ages ranging from 3 to 14 years of age. Scientific studies prove that asthma is not always acquired genetically.

Being obese can actually be another reason for asthma attacks. The more overweight you are, the harder your lungs have to work to pump oxygen. The fat buildup actually decreases space in the body that the lungs need to expand and causes irregular breathing.

People who suffer from asthma and obesity will tend to believe that exercise is not good for their asthma. In all honesty exercise is the key to help reduce stress on the respiratory system. Cardiovascular exercise is the best method to stimulate the heart and lungs. If you are just beginning to start a workout routine, you should start for 10 minutes per day and gradually work your way up. It’s best not to start off with strenuous routines.

Walking is a great workout for everyone who is trying to lose weight and is great for asthma sufferers too. If you suffer from asthma or allergies, walking outside may trigger an attack simply from the humidity or pollen count. However, there are various workout videos sold that you can follow in the comfort of your own home. One of the best videos sold for walking routines is Walk Away the Pounds with Leslie Sansone. The workouts are effective and you will notice the difference in your breathing and stamina. The beginner routine starts off with 1 mile and is approximately 20 minutes. If you can’t do a full mile right away do not overexert yourself, remember to always do a cool-down routine to slower the heart rate before you stop for the day. The videos include a warm-up before the actual workout and a cool-down after. Warm-ups are simply used to increase the heart-rate and allow steady breathing before the actual workouts and also prevent cramps to the muscles. Cool-downs are used to slower the heart rate and allow steady breathing after the workout.

There are various cardiovascular exercises that you can do at home besides walking that also help stimulate the respiratory and cardiovascular system such as:

- Aerobics

Your lungs need oxygen, so drinking plenty of water is necessary to distribute oxygen to the body. Drinking water while or after working out prevents the body from dehydration and keeps the body replenished and working properly. The required amount of water consumption per day is 6 to 8 glasses. Most people often wonder why the recommended amount of water consumption is limited up to 8 glasses only; the reason is if you drink water excessively it can cause thinning of the blood.

Remember to always keep your inhaler close by when working out, in case of a sudden attack. Before beginning a workout routine consult with your doctor to help determine if exercise is right for you. Never overexert yourself when working out, and always begin your routines with warm-ups and end with cool-downs.