For many people with chronic lung disease, exercising can seem daunting. However gentle exercise in a safe environment can improve your ability to control your breathlessness, improve confidence levels and help you rediscover activities you could no longer do.
“I have gained confidence in my walking and breathing” Jenny, BLF Exercise Pilot participant
People with chronic lung disease can get stuck in a vicious cycle of inactivity:
Instinctively, people with lung disease often avoid situations that make them breathless, however the way to break the cycle of inactivity is to do more physical activity. It is important to remember that it is normal to get out of breath when taking exercise, and that this sort of breathlessness is not dangerous. Always seek medical advice before embarking on any new exercise program.
Exercise brings specific benefits to people with lung disease such as increased ability to do daily activities, improved energy levels, reduced breathlessness and decreased number of days spent in hospital. General benefits include improved mood and immune system and reduced stress. Exercise classes can also help to reduce a sense of isolation as they provide an opportunity for people with lung disease to meet others in a similar situation.
“I found the exercise programme very worthwhile for the health and social side, and enjoyed it very much.” Pam, BLF Exercise Pilot participant
Interested in participating in exercise classes with a BLF Active Instructor?
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