If you're living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or another chronic lung disease, you know it’s important to exercise, but did you know that sometimes it’s best to take a break? It’s true – you don’t want to overdo it because you could cause more harm than good. Here are some COPD exercise precautions from the Cleveland Clinic to help you know when to take it easy.
∙ Changes in medicine: Before you continue with your regular exercise program, talk to your doctor about how your new medicine might affect your ability to be physically active. Ask for advice regarding walking, jogging, swimming or other exercises that interest you.
∙ Feeling overly tired: Avoid exercising that day, or at least exercise at a lower level of exertion, if you feel more tired than usual. Pace yourself and slow down if you feel fatigued.
∙ Feeling ill: If you have a fever or aren't feeling well, don’t exercise.
∙ After a period of inactivity: After a few days of not exercising, start up your routine slowly to get your body used to it again.
∙ Isometric exercises: Isometric workouts involve straining muscles against other muscles, such as when doing pushups and sit-ups. Avoid these types of exercises when living with COPD.
∙ Outdoor workouts: Getting outside is great, but avoid outdoor workouts when it’s too cold or too hot and humid. When these conditions exist, stick to indoor activities, such as walking around the mall.
∙ Certain activities after exercise: Avoid lying down after working out because it reduces exercise tolerance. Also, don’t take a very hot or cold shower after working out.
∙ Steep inclines: Avoid hills when walking outside. If a hilly area is your only option, take it slow and keep tabs on your heart rate.
∙ Irregular heartbeat: Rest and get your heart rate back down. Check your pulse after 15 minutes and call your doctor if it’s still above 120 to 150 beats per minute.
∙ Feeling pain: If you feel chest pain or discomfort elsewhere, stop that activity. Ask your doctor for guidelines about “reading” your body.
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