Walking Exercise Has Great Benefits for COPD Patients
People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) face daily challenges, especially when it comes to breathing and staying physically active. However, incorporating regular exercise, such as walking, into your daily routine can significantly reduce symptoms and improve overall health. Walking exercise is a low-impact activity that not only strengthens your respiratory muscles but also provides many health benefits, making it an ideal option for people with COPD.
The following are some of the benefits of walking exercise for people with COPD:
1. It can improve your overall health：
Did you know that small amounts of exercise can not only reduce COPD symptoms, but also improve your overall health?
As with all diseases, physical activity is important for improving health and quality of life. People used to think that if you had COPD you shouldn't be physically active. This reinforces that you should.
2.It supports your immune system：
Because your immune system is affected when you have COPD, it’s important to think about how you can improve it. Walking for exercise is a great way to support your overall health, lungs, and immune system. Specifically, walking outdoors for exercise can boost your immune system.
3. Can you lose weight?
People with COPD should be aware of the risks of being overweight, as weight gain can worsen COPD symptoms. Being overweight can also make a person lose interest in exercise, which can worsen their overall health and outlook. Walking is a form of light exercise that can help you burn calories, which can reduce symptoms. If you plan to start a walking weight loss program while you have COPD.
Start with short walks. See how far you can walk before you get out of breath. Stop and rest whenever you get out of breath.
4. Your lungs can get stronger.
One concern for people with COPD is the strength of their lungs. In addition to supporting your immune system, walking outdoors can help your lungs get stronger: "According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, walking briskly for 30 minutes regularly can increase your lung capacity. This also strengthens your lungs. With increased lung capacity, you'll breathe easier and your lungs will stay healthier longer."
While walking may seem like an easy way to get exercise, this activity can reduce COPD symptoms and strengthen your lungs. However, people with COPD should be careful when starting a walking exercise. Before walking, stretch your body: "Stretching your arms and legs before and after exercise helps prepare your muscles for activity, which can help prevent injuries and muscle strains." You should also consult your doctor to make sure walking is a safe activity that can achieve your health goals.
If you have COPD and need oxygen, consider using a portable oxygen concentrator! Oxygen concentrator stores sell a variety of portable oxygen machines that can be taken with you for walking exercises or other activities.
5. Reduce your hospitalizations.
Another benefit of walking for COPD patients is that it can reduce hospitalizations. Patients who maintained moderate or vigorous exercise (equivalent to walking or other exercise in most cases) had only 53% of the hospitalization rate of patients who did not walk regularly. ” How much should you walk to reduce your hospitalization rate? Data show that 60 minutes or 5,000 steps a day can reduce the risk of hospitalization by about 50%.
