The Benefits of Regular Exercise

According to the American Council on Exercise, the more you engage in such regular activities, the more you build up your stamina and strength. Better yet, your respiratory system can often benefit, too, making it less prone to asthma attacks over time. So the exercise health connection can be great.

In addition to improved health, daily exercise also offers some other unexpected benefits. For instance, you may find yourself better able to handle daily stress, have more energy to engage in a wider range of activities and you likely will also find that when you do turn in for the night, the quality of sleep you get will be better than ever before.

Exercise Caution

These encouraging facts may just spur you to go put on your running shoes and head for a jog, but before you go, medical experts say there are some crucial things you must do before getting started. First, it is crucial to always get your doctor's okay before engaging in a new exercise health routine. Only he or she knows your specific condition and the health challenges you face, and can let you know what type of exercise and intensity is best for you and your limitations and needs.

Strategies for Success

Once you have the okay, here are some other things you can do to help you exercise daily and keep yourself safe:

  • Always take your control medications as directed, since you may need to control your symptoms in order to exercise safely and effectively, especially if you suffer from exercise-induced asthma.
  • Have your fast-acting relief inhaler ready in case your symptoms should flare.
  • Develop an asthma action plan that identifies your early warning signs of asthma and offers guidelines in terms of how to respond to head off an attack. Make sure you also have steps you can follow in an emergency if you need help fast.
  • Warn up and cool down before and after strenuous activities to help your body prepare. Also start off slow and build up in time and intensity as your stamina improves.
  • Consider low-intensity exercise such as walking, swimming and cycling to get a good workout without taxing your lungs from the effort.
  • Be aware of environmental conditions that could spur your symptoms. When the air quality is poor and the humidity is high, exercise indoors with the air conditioning on.

Be Flexible

You should also pay attention to your symptoms and to how you are feeling so you can adjust your exercise appropriately as needed. On days when you aren't up to par, skip the workout and take it easy instead. But when your condition is under control, regular exercise can help you to reap health benefits to help you look and feel your very best.