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Exercise Can Help COPD Sufferers

Exercise can be very beneficial for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While it won’t cure or reverse the disease, staying active can go a long way toward making COPD sufferers healthier and more comfortable.

Most people living with COPD experience shortness of breath, making it difficult for them to do even the simplest day-to-day tasks. It also creates a dangerous cycle: people who are short of breath have a hard time staying active, which can lead to your muscles weakening while making your heart and lungs less tolerant to exercise or physical activity.

The best way to combat this is to keep moving — no matter how slowly. Some healthy exercises for those living with COPD include:

• Walking
• Regularly alternating between sitting and standing
• Riding a stationary bike
• Using hand weights
• Doing breathing exercises
• Stronger muscles
• Improved breathing and circulation
• Relief from joint discomfort
• Eased tension
• Increased stamina

There are a whole host of benefits when it comes to exercising:

Try and exercise three to four days a week for 10-15 minutes per day, then gradually work up to about 30-45 minutes daily. Of course, always speak with your doctor before beginning any new fitness regimen.

Read the complete Healthline story here.