Mind & Body

These Are the Best and the Worst Exercises for Asthma

May 21, 2023

Almost 26 million Americans suffer from a breathing condition called asthma, but that shouldn't prevent patients from exercising regularly. In fact, several peer reviews have shown that daily activity can improve the condition and increase lung capacity.

bydvvid/Shutterstock -- Almost 26 million Americans suffer from a breathing condition called asthma

But are all exercises safe for asthma? It turns out that some are better than others depending on intensity. Here are the best and the worst workouts for your asthma, and not all of them include running outside in the cold weather.

Swimming

Swimming is one of the best cardiovascular exercises in general because it is low-impact, and gives you the same calorie-burning effect as running. But this exercise is even more beneficial for asthma patients because they are so close to the water, and the air above the water surface tends to be more humid.

Humidity regulates the temperature inside your body which can keep the airways open. This ensures that you can breathe properly throughout the exercise, although high-intensity swimming may constrtict airways and trigger asthma which is why competitive swimming may not be ideal for those suffering from this condition.

Walking or Hiking

Daxiao Productions/Shutterstock -- Asthmatics can engage in low-impact sports like golf

Walking is easily the most fun way to get some activity into your day and it acts as a stress reliever after a long day of work.

Besides its health-boosting benefits such as protection against diseases and increased energy, walking can also be beneficial for people with asthma as it is a low-impact activity and doesn't speed up your heart rate.

Walking, or hiking are both great activities for asthmatics, and they can be enjoyed at any pace they prefer. Moreover, walking doesn't increase you breathing rate so there is a smaller likelihood of developing asthma symptoms.

However, it's important to be mindful that cold air can constrict your airway, making it harder to breathe, which can make your asthma worse. Therefore, try to walk when the weather is warmer, and always carry an inhaler with you just in case.

Yoga

SFIO CRACHO/Shutterstock -- Yoga is one of the lowest impact exercises that can help you with your breathing and make you more flexible over time

Yoga is one of the lowest impact exercises that can help you with your breathing and make you more flexible over time. Experts recommend hot yoga for asthmatics as exercising in humidity can help with breathing and even shed some extra pounds in the process.