Exercising with a Personal Trainer if you have Pulmonary Disease

Those with pulmonary disease are among the most challenged when it comes to exercise because they are short of breath before they even finish the warm up and for some even before they begin exercising. Like any other special health need, exercise is the very best outlet for someone with pulmonary disease. Without exercise their condition is doomed to worsen. The more deconditioned they become from their lunges to their heart to their muscle; the more pronounced their condition becomes. With exercise, there is hope for significant improvements for most clients.

Exercise can help those with pulmonary disease to build up their heart, lunges and muscles which makes them more efficient at using oxygen and strengthens their cardiopulmonary system.

From having asthma to advanced pulmonary disease, anyone can see benefits from exercise with a supervised program. What’s important is that it’s consistent, even if it starts out with a few steps. With a personal trainer, a person with lung disease can expect an improved quality of life, improved endurance and ability to perform daily activities, improved emotional and mental well-being, and easier weight control.

Exercise also plays a major role in not only the prevention of pulmonary disease but also preventing or reducing many of the other risks associated with pulmonary disease and aging including heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and depression.

Pulmonary Disease Guidelines and Precautions

1. Inform your doctor about your intent to begin an exercise program, and get screened for any possible drop in blood oxygen levels brought on by exercising.
2. Screen to be sure you do not have any heart conditions that could be complicated by exercise.
3. Exercise in a clean environment with controlled air that is free of pollutants.
4. Bring your bronchodilator / inhaler with you when you exercise.
5. Eat well. People with lung disease may lose weight both because it's uncomfortable to eat and because of the extra energy it takes to breathe. Yet a nutritionally rich diet that contains adequate calories is essential. The type of food you eat, the time of day and the size of portions can all play a role in getting the nourishment you need. Because it's often easier to breathe when your stomach isn't completely full, you may want to eat smaller meals throughout the day rather than two or three large ones. You might also try choosing lighter fare, such as fruit and salads, rather than rich or fatty foods, which take more energy to digest. Have a smaller meal before and after your workout.
6. Before exercise, clear your lungs of mucus by coughing.
7. Practice relaxing and deep breathing before and after your exercise session. Continue deep breathing for a few minutes. One exercise is to keep breathing out twice as long as you breathe in. Counting as you breathe can help. Breathe in: 1-2. Breathe out: 1-2-3-4. Remember not to hold your breath.
8. Allow plenty of time to warm up. Plan to gradually increase intensity for at least 10 minutes before beginning any exercise. Do the same as you cool down to gradually slow the body back to resting levels.
9. If you feel tired or short of breath at any time while you're exercising, stop and relax a few minutes, then continue. It’s normal to be out of breath for exercisers. Shortness of breath is something that should be pushed through to see improvements. You must push that physical limit just a bit to see improvements.

Maintaining a normal body weight as well as all of the positive behaviors that go along with regular exercise can bring new quality of life to a pulmonary client. Look for a personal trainer who specializes in working with pulmonary patients.