Walking Tips For COPD

If you have COPD, you most likely know that it stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. You know that your airways have become blocked or narrowed, causing a slow, progressive denial of air to the lungs. Less air intake means less oxygen for the muscles, making even the most simple tasks difficult.
Given that people with COPD have difficulty breathing, it seems almost cruel to suggest exercise. It seems counter-productive. However, because the respiratory system is under attack, it's even more important for it to be functioning as well as possible. The muscles must be exercised regularly, lest they atrophy and lose their strength. Then the body would be not only air-deprived, but physically weak too. Muscles need oxygen to grow, remain healthy and function efficiently.
Few would argue that walking is the best exercise for the whole body, even if the body has COPD. That requires a little planning and a lot of being careful. Before you begin a walking program, ask your doctor if it is advisable. Ask for recommendations and whether you need to adjust your oxygen use. Learn to use a pulse oximeter, which measures your oxygen levels non-invasively with a disposable strip.
Buy a nice pair of comfortable walking shoes. There are many models designed specifically for walking, to maximize the benefit and minimize the effort. Get the right size shoes. Too-tight shoes will restrict blood flow to the feet. Too-loose shoes will cause blistering. Buy some lightweight, breathable walking clothing and hit the pavement, literally, not figuratively.
As you walk, maintain proper posture, remaining upright, rolling off the heel. Don't lean forward or arch backward. Walking with incorrect posture will injure your back. Your strides should be easy and slow initially. After you warm up, increase the length and speed of your steps.

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Inhale through the nose and exhale slowly through the mouth, with your lips lightly pursed. Your exhale should last twice as long as your inhale. Count your paces, breathing in for 2 steps and breathing out for 4. If you get winded or tired, slow down. If that doesn't help, pause for a few moments to catch your breath. Monitor your heart rate and oxygen level and don't overdo it. Start with short walks and build up. This will strengthen and bolster your cardiopulmonary system.
There are cardiopulmonary strengthening programs that combine resistance training and aerobic exercise with wellness techniques like breathing retraining, smoking cessation, weight control, and stress management. This cross-training approach proves to strengthen the cardiopulmonary system through a nexus of the various treatments.
Try to walk daily. When the weather doesn't cooperate, take your workout indoors. Shopping malls and recreation centers have walking clubs. Make some friends and walk together.
While COPD may require extra preparation, the benefits derived from walking are worth the effort. The air is still free, so help yourself to all you can breathe.
Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne's inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. http://naturalhealthandfitnessworkouts.com/about-us Feel free to ask Suzanne a COPD fitness question at http://www.healthwiseexercise.com