Tips for getting active with your asthma
In Dr Andy’s latest blog he shares the benefits of challenging yourself and getting active, as well as some good tips and resources to help you exercise safely during lockdown.
January is normally a time for New Year’s resolutions, and even though it may be harder this year due to lockdown and high levels of COVID-19, it’s important to challenge yourself.
As a GP, I encourage my patients to use New Year as an opportunity to stop smoking, drink less alcohol, and eat a healthier diet. This year, my biggest focus is on people being more active. COVID-19 has led to a number of changes in how we live. Homeschooling, working from home, and not being able to go out as much as we usually would has reduced the time we spend moving around. There are loads of great benefits to increasing our activity levels, and it doesn’t matter how fit you think you are (or aren’t) – there’s always something you can do to get more active.
‘An added bonus of exercise is that it improves our mental health and immune system’
Being active uses up calories, which helps us keep to a healthy weight, but it also does much more. It strengthens our bones, makes our muscles stronger and more efficient (so they don’t crave so much oxygen), improves our lung function, and keeps our heart healthy. An added bonus of exercise is that it improves our mental health and immune system – two areas that are being quite challenged at the moment.
Planning your keep-fit routine
Whatever your preferred exercise activity, begin by creating a plan, so you can get into a routine. Set aside enough time to do your activity. This includes getting changed, warming up, and warming down, rather than cramming it in. Make sure you start with a distance or time you can comfortably achieve and build upon.
Starting a new activity on your own can be daunting. Here are a few tips to help you stick at it:
Get members of your household or support bubble to join you if you can.
Keep a record of your activities and achievements, to track your progress.
Tell people what you’re doing for moral support and to keep you motivated.
Use apps such as Strava and Runkeeper to track your progress and compete with fellow exercise buddies.
If you’re unable to go out, you could use fitness machines at home, or join online exercise classes.
If you consider yourself unfit or unable to do much exercise, take a look at the Stay active, stay well page on the BLF website, which has some great hints and tips for getting started.
If you’re worried about you or your child exercising with asthma, there’s some useful advice on our getting active when you have asthma and helping your child stay active webpages.
Stay safe when exercising
Here are a few important things to keep in mind:
Make sure you follow the COVID-19 restrictions in your area.
If you have a reliever inhaler, carry it with you at all times.
During these winter months, make sure you’re dressed suitably for the weather and are visible to traffic.
Make sure you’re well-hydrated.
If you’re exercising outdoors alone, make sure someone knows where you’re going and for how long.
Consider taking a mobile phone with you, in case you need support.
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