Exercise, sport and asthma

5) Choosing your exercise

© Crown Copyright 2011

© Crown Copyright 2011

Exercise need not be expensive. You can walk for free and this is a good activity to start with if you have not exercised for some time.

Some health boards and councils offer reduced sports memberships or supported sports activities for health conditions. Check with your healthcare team if there are any such schemes in your area.

Choose exercises which you can build up or down grade and which have short bursts and rest periods. In this way you can modify your exercise as you start to improve.

Do you prefer to exercise indoors or outdoors? On your own or with others? As you start any new exercise it can be useful to have someone to exercise with you for company and motivation.

Suggestions for moderate exercise:

  • Brisk walking.
  • Swimming or water based exercise.
  • Cycling – outdoors or indoors on a static bike.
  • Jogging.
  • Dancing.
  • Gardening.
  • Yoga.
  • Pilates.
  • Tai Chi.
  • Low level weight training.