Who Says Exercise Has to Be Hard?

Editor's Note: Before starting any exercise regimen you should consult your doctor in order to make the best plan for you.

Asthma and exercise may not seem like a match made in heaven, but believe it or not, they can actually go hand in hand. Yes, people, even those of us with asthma, can break a sweat and pump some iron – well, maybe not pump iron, but you get the gist.

I have a complicated relationship with exercise, but just recently I feel like I might be making some ground. "And why's that Pete?" I hear you all ask! I won't bore you with the details but in short, I believe it is down to my diet and clean living.

Exercising with asthma - It's hard

Imagine me, a lovable asthmatic, stepping onto a treadmill at the gym. I start off slow, my breaths becoming more labored as I pick up the pace. Suddenly, a coughing fit hits me like a ton of bricks, and I am left gasping for air like a fish out of water.

But do I give up? Hell no! I push through the pain, powering through each step as if my life depends on it – because let's face it, it kinda does. The only downside, in my case, is that the sweat can affect my eczema. (But that's a different article for a different day!)

It helps with my mental health too

You see, exercise actually helps improve my asthma symptoms in the long run. By strengthening my lungs and respiratory muscles, I can increase my lung capacity and decrease the frequency and severity of my asthma attacks. Plus, getting those endorphins flowing can do wonders for my mental health, helping me cope with the daily struggles of living with a chronic condition. And God knows we all need a few of those running through our bodies.

15 minutes of exercising is all I do

But let's not sugarcoat it – working out with asthma can be a real pain-in-the-butt. I have to carefully monitor my breathing, pace myself, and always have my trusty inhaler on hand in case of emergencies. I make a point of not pushing myself too hard. It's not about how hard one exercises, more the frequency. So, 15 minutes per day is my maximum. Yep, you heard right, 15 slow minutes! 

And let's not forget the dreaded asthma attack that always seems to rear its ugly head at the most inconvenient times.

I won't let my asthma win

In short, I try not to let my asthma hold me back from breaking a sweat and getting the ole heart pumping. With a little determination and a whole lot of inhaler puffs, maybe I could conquer the world one workout at a time. So go ahead, lace up those sneakers, hit the gym, and show that treadmill who's boss. Asthma and exercise may not be a match made in heaven, but dammit, we'll make it work!!