Whether you’re on your own or doing a formal Pulmonary Rehabilitation program, safety is very important. Let’s take a look at some questions and answers about exercising with Alpha-1 lung disease. Download Exercising with Alpha-1 Lung Disease – Questions & Answers as a PDF. What should I wear? You don’t need to run to the…
To avoid feeling short of breath (dyspnea), Alphas with lung disease often limit their physical activity. This can cause a downward spiral. You don’t exercise because it makes you feel bad. So, your fitness level drops. And, the next time you exercise, you feel even worse. Download Exercise for Alphas with Lung Disease as a…
Monitoring your exertion (effort) during exercise is critical for anyone beginning a program. But, it’s even more important when you have Alpha-1 lung disease. Monitoring lets you get the most benefit from your program, and ensures that you’re safe and comfortable. Download Exertion and Exercise Safety – What You Need to Know as a PDF.
Every workout session should start and end with warm-up and stretching exercises. This reduces your risk of getting hurt and releases muscle tension and soreness. Download Warm-up & Stretching Exercises for Alphas as a PDF. Warm-up and stretching exercises should always be completed prior to beginning more strenuous activities to reduce the risk of injury.
Strength training is a key part of any exercise program. It can help increase your stamina and reduce shortness of breath. This means you can do more of the things you want to do. Download Strength Training Recommendations for Alphas as a PDF. Let’s look at some strength training exercises for your upper and lower…
Cardiopulmonary training, sometimes called endurance training or “cardio”, is a key part of any exercise program. There are many ways to get a “cardio” workout, including: Stationary bike Treadmill Step machine Elliptical machine Brisk walks Download Cardio Endurance Training Recommendations for Alphas as a PDF. When choosing your “cardio” activity, pick something you like. If…
Some people like to exercise on their own. However, you might prefer working in a group with a trainer. If so, your doctor may suggest pulmonary rehabilitation (rehab). Pulmonary rehab is a structured program. It takes place in a facility that may look like a gym. Download What is Pulmonary Rehabilitation and How Can It…
When you’re living with Alpha-1 lung disease, you put a lot of energy into the work of breathing. You need some strategies to help you manage your energy so you use less of it when dealing with work, family, and other responsibilities. Download Manage Your Energy With These Strategies as a PDF. Here are some…
Most of us take breathing for granted. We don’t have to think about it. It just happens. But people with chronic lung disease have to use coordinated breathing to conserve their energy. Coordinated breathing helps them stay active and handle day-to-day tasks without getting too short of breath. Download How to Conserve Energy During Daily…
