An excellent way to ensure your asthmatic loved one can exercise safely, remain physically fit and maintain good health is to consider moving them into assisted living care in Cape Coral, FL. Although exercise is essential for a healthy mind and body, older adults with asthma often avoid any sort of physical activity because of fear of their symptoms worsening. However, in reality, lower fitness levels can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension and obesity, reduce cardiovascular fitness and reduce the thresholds of exacerbation. Here are a few exercises and tips for exercising safely with asthma.
Yoga
Yoga is an excellent exercise for older adults, particularly those with asthma, as it has been reported to help them ease asthma symptoms and feel better. For instance, breathing exercises, including diaphragmatic breathing, Buteyko breathing, and pursed lip breathing, can help you gain control of your breath, strengthen your abdominal muscle, increase heart and lung functions, and soothe asthma symptoms when practiced correctly. Other yoga poses, such as the bridge pose and seated spinal twist, can help ease asthma symptoms by expanding your chest muscles and encouraging deeper breathing.
Walking
Walking is an ideal option if you prefer a low-intensity exercise that can be performed leisurely. This exercise doesn’t require expanding energy but helps make breathing much easier. Your loved one can walk outside when the weather is warm or use a treadmill indoors.
Resistance Exercises
Resistance exercises will help increase muscle strength, support the joints, and improve bone mineral density. These exercises include bodyweight exercises, weights, or resistance bands workouts. Doing these twice per week for about 20 minutes can improve your fitness level and the stability of your asthma condition.
Tips for Exercising Safely with Asthma
The first and most crucial step before starting any exercise regime is to consult a doctor. This is particularly important if your loved one experiences worsened symptoms after physical activity. After receiving a go-ahead from your doctor, you can then begin your exercise session with the following tips:
- When starting a new exercise regime, always warm up first and ensure to begin slowly.
- During exercises, ensure you are breathing through your nose
- Avoid outdoor exercise during exceptionally hot or cold weather
- Always check pollen counts before engaging in any exercise
- Avoid exercising in polluted environments, chlorinated pools, or areas with high levels of airborne allergens
- If your symptoms worsen as you commence exercise, postpone it for another day when you feel much better
- As a fitness beginner, avoid engaging in high-intensity workouts or working out for long durations. Overexerting yourself can worsen asthmatic symptoms
- Be aware of the possibility of experiencing a delayed asthma attack after an exercise session, and ensure you always take an inhaler or prescribed medication with you
Health and Fitness at Our Assisted Living Community
If you are looking for a retirement community that prioritizes residents’ health, fitness, and overall wellness and ensures superb care and support, you are at the right place. Among our several exclusive programs is the health and fitness program, which includes spiritual gatherings, water aerobics classes, yoga, etc., to ensure our residents enjoy the best possible quality of life. To learn more about our Assisted Living community, contact us today!
