One of the most daunting forms of exercise for many people is aerobic activity.
That is, aerobic activity the way most people do it.
Steady state workouts where you are breathing heavily for long periods of time
can be very challenging, even if you are in reasonable shape.
If you are out of shape, need to lose weight, or have some other health problem
aerobics can be one of the least enjoyable way to exercise.
Now, you know me. I will never, ever tell you that you shouldn't pursue a type
of exercise or physical activity you wish to. But sometimes, you have to tailor
your approach so you can still enjoy and benefit from the activity.
A number of Best Breathing daily tips readers and customers have asthma.
Here is a pretty common challenge those of us with asthma face - one that
is also shared, I have found, by people who don't have asthma:
Dear Karen,
I wondered if you could shed some light on something I've noticed about my
asthma. I'm 25 years old and have had asthma since I was 7.
Over the past 3 years I've gained about 30 pounds of weight and obviously my
asthma got worse. I joined a gym hoping to lose some weight and I've also
changed my diet. However, I find myself in a vicious circle. You see, I need my
relief inhaler at least 3 to 4 times during aerobics classes and I can barely breathe
sometimes! I find the classes have a much worse effect on my breathing than
simply doing cardiovascular machines, i.e. cross trainer, bike and treadmill.
Do you have any clue why my asthma is so bad during aerobics classes?
Many thanks,
Sheri
KVN: Sheri, first let me commend you on following an exercise program and
improving your diet. I don't want you to become so frustrated with the aerobics
situation that you give up on your program.
I'm not surprised you are having difficulty during aerobics class, because it's
pretty common. Here are just a couple of things that could be going on:
-Possible problem #1: You are not getting an adequate warmup. Aerobics and
fitness instructors will include some type of warm up in their programs. However,
the typical warmup is simply not sufficient if you have asthma.
In fact, in my opinion, the typical warm up most fitness instructors teach or
have their classes do - in terms of the time spent as well as how the warmup
is conducted - is actually bad for you.
You need to get to the gym or exercise room early and begin warming up on
your own, before class begins.
If you are interested in an excellent warmup series, get my latest program,
"Dynamic Flexibility: The Secret To Healthy, Pain-Free Joints, Limber Muscles
and Maximum Mobility" -
http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/dynamic_flex.html.
-Possible problem #2: Whenever you are participating in a class run by
someone else, you are at the mercy of the pace that person sets. So if they
are working at a higher level of intensity than you are used to, or capable of
right now, you will find yourself falling behind in terms of your breathing.
Using your inhaler 3 to 4 times during the workout tells me the class is
being run at a higher level than your body is prepared for. Also, the class
probably maintains this level for an extended period of time, without
cycling.
And I have to say, having been in that same situation... when you feel like
you are trying to suck air in through a flattened straw....I definitely
sympathize with you.
On the other hand, when you ride the bike or run on the treadmill, you
control the intensity. You probably naturally throttle back on the pace when
you are feeling more winded or tired...as you should do. And you increase
your pace when you have recovered.
What you are doing in your self-directed training is actually what your
body needs. And you can make it even better - and get better results -
than the aerobics class.
I'll talk more about this in your next tip.
You Can Do It!
Karen Van Ness
http://www.BestBreathingExercises.com
P.S. Don't forget about my "Happy Valentine's Day" special that is running
right now. Go to http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/luv_ya.html to pick up
that special program. The savings are (almost) as good as chocolate! But
head over there now, the special will melt away when the Big V-Day is over.
Copyright, KVN Enterprises, Inc. 2007
**The contents of this daily email are not to be considered as medical
advice. Always consult a physician before beginning or changing any
health or fitness regimen.**
