COPD: how exercise helps your breathing

Welcome to Exercise For Health

COPD affects about 1.2 million people in the UK alone. Many will have anxiety about taking part in exercise due to the nature of their breathlessness, but this video explains why exercise is good for managing the condition.
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#ExerciseForHealth #COPD #Breathlessness

[debrajohnson]

This was an exceptional video. I smoked for 30+ years and have COPD. I'm always looking for information regarding it. Thank you for taking the time and effort to make the vid.

[kristenparente]

I just received my diagnosis yesterday and shocked. I was ran over 4 years ago and believed my collapsed lung was reason for my breathing problems. My doctor explained it probably didn't help but wasn't the cause rather my smoking 30 of my 41 years. Shocker. Thank you for your videos helping explain what my doctor couldn't in our 15 minute appointment.

[COPD_REHAB_GUY]

Hi Richard I am 68 years old, I was diagnosed with COPD 3 years ago and have a 33% lung capacity, I started walking for 2 years 6 miles a day reducing to 4 x 7 mile walks a week, I joined a running club for social walks 2 x a week, in November last year I started interval training once a week 30s run 60s walk, in January this year I joined a gym, where I go 3 times a week, the machine are 2 cardio and the rest resistance machines for strength, these cover most muscle groups. As time has progressed, my routine has got busier, Monday 3 mile walk in the morning and again in the evening, Tuesday 3 mile walk in the morning 2 circuits of the gym 1 hour run walk evening 30s run 60s walk, Wednesday 1 hour in the evening run walk 60s run 60s walk usually about 4 miles, Thursday 3 .5 Mile walk 2 circuits of the gym, 1 hour in the evening 30s run 60s walk about 3.3 miles, Friday nothing planned but apparently one of my running clubs is starting another run walk in the evening. Saturday parkrun 5k latest PB 36.24 doing interval 60/60 2 circuits of the gym, Sunday 5 mile cross country hilly run walk 60/60. I cope with all of this quite well, I can’t improve my lung capacity but I am trying to optimise my technique and recovery. My recovery has definitely improved.
Can you offer any advice on oxygen assisted running and do you know if it would help. It would only be for 5k and events, however, I am considering doing a half marathon.
I welcome any advice
Thanks Steve

[royanderberg]

Very good video and advice. I have had asthma for over 45 yrs and I have been very active during those years, but now I am 82 and realize the need for some proper form of exercise to assist in my breathing. I get out of breath when I move fast or do any lifting and carrying, but do recover to a quiet state within 4 minutes of absolute rest and proper breathing techniques. I see the need of some form of exercise no matter how it hurts.

[COPD_REHAB_GUY]

Pushed the defective lungs to the max today, my first half marathon 3:02.29 hard but enjoyable. Don’t emulate unless you want to. But do what you can while you still can. It is really good for you

[thomasratliff]

Not often to I like the first video in my search for random subjects. However, I find this video to have all my answers, plus. I am in the upper stages of COPD at 66 y-old, and recovering from a serious upper respiratory infection. Two weeks ago I was unable to stand in the shower and wash my hair. I'm not sure why I didn't search for this subject sooner. Thank you, sir.

[woodskidever]

Great job mate! I think there is a misconception that COPD can be cured by cessation from smoking, and that lungs heal like muscle tissue. I thought this for years and now have a chronic condition. Thank you for your clear and concise guidance!

[MsApache]

Your speaking is excellently understood, and the pace is easy to follow. COPD impacts every part of living. Those who do not have it badly need to be aware of how much these exercises help in eating and sleeping. Thank You.

[ranjanamitra]

Satya Mevo Jayete. I am 82yrs.young lady. Everyday for 1hr.do YOGA. Can climb 3floor . I've lost weight. Small eater. Stay blessed🙏 India.

[COPD_REHAB_GUY]

Went for pre assessment for hernia op, the only inconvenience is not being able to exercise properly or effectively during recuperation. Resting heart rate 53 they asked if I was on beta blockers, I said no I just exercise hard. BP 126/73 despite walking 4.5 miles to hospital and the same back again SPo2 was sitting at 97%. So hopefully recovery will be swift and I can get back to the gym and running. Last run this week on Sunday 5. Miles off road over hills followed straight away by 5 miles on road. Interval 60s run 60s walk. If COPD hasn’t bitten you too badly use exercise to your advantage. Do what you can while you still can

[odetteminassian]

This is one of the best videos about COPD!

[sandramcgleish]

I have COPD. I practice Hatha Yoga. The deep breathing is very helpful. Thank you for this video.

[eileenfb]

Excellent approach. I find so many exercise videos are not realistic even their starting schedule is too much. This advice allows me to pace myself when I go walking. Thank you.

[Fotini]

Just got diagnosed w/Stage 3.
Thank you for the education ❤

[COPD_REHAB_GUY]

I have had one exacerbation which prompted the diagnosis, (over 2 years after quitting smoking), spirometry shows my lung function at 33%, I do not get breathless but do suffer with coughs when under duress, I can easily walk 7 miles in 2 hours and 10 minutes daily, I am 67 have a resting heart rate between 55 - 60, which has decreased whilst exercising from 117 - 125 down to 90 - 105, I consciously lost muscle mass as I was told muscles were oxygen intensive. I tend to tone with bands. I have recently been put on cortico steroids, 2 weeks ago, which have reduced the coughing and the need for salbutamol. I reduced my weight from 16.5st to 14st in 2 months, as I appear to be in the early stages, I am looking for the best way to manage the disease, I eat fairly healthily and drink at least 3 litres of water a day. Running play with my grandchildren causes breathlessness, but at my age I consider with my physical fitness this is normal. My SPO2 levels are 98/99% at rest, dipping down to 93% under duress. I would be grateful for any advice. Or a website. TIA Steve

[DarrenRobinson-klid]

Thank you so much for this video, I've subscribed to your channel today and I'm off to watch more of them! I had to give up working due to COPD and have become very inactive, leading to some worsening anxiety and depression but I genuinely feel enthusiastic and motivated to make some changes after watching. Keep up the great work, I'll do my best to do the same.

[AndrewPearson-wb]

Awesome info thank you so much as I have COPD 🙏

[donscholz]

I thought you did a very nice video and gave a lot of useful information.

[lil_feather]

I was just diagnosed this January and was given oxygen at home and portable when I travel. I'm trying to figure out how to set up exercises and change my lifestyle to become healthier. I'm only 26 and I've had 3 heart attack the past two years. Honestly. I'm done with this and want to change my life. I want to see my sisters grow up and I don't want them to always look at me like I'll be gone one day. For now. I've been doing a lot of planking and breathing exercises to help with my oxygen intake level.

[Doreen-bk]

I Never smoked a day in my life. And in my late 50’s I developed COPD. And Asthma. I’m currently not on oxygen but Iam on inhalers and I keep up with my pulmonary appointments. I’m doing good. But I do need to start being more active.