You have been diagnosed with COPD. You may wonder if you can exercise with COPD. At first glance this seems like an impossible task, but almost nothing is impossible. It does take a lot more energy, because you breathe harder. There is a good chance that you will become frustrated, especially if you used to be able to move (almost) without any problems. With a lung disorder you are short of breath more quickly and exercising takes more energy and time. Still, you can certainly exercise with COPD. It is even healthy for you to exercise enough. It's not an easy road, but the satisfaction you get from it and all the benefits that exercise has, are more than worth all the effort.
Exercise and sports with COPD under the supervision of a physiotherapist
It has been scientifically proven that the best form of therapy for COPD is physiotherapy. If you want to move and exercise with COPD, it is best to start this with one of our physiotherapists. Our physio examines your complaints and their consequences. Based on what you can do at the moment and what you want to be able to do in the future, a personal trajectory will be drawn up. During the day the COPD treatment with us in Tilburg, both the condition and the muscles are trained and made stronger. In the beginning this will take more effort and cause a lot of frustration, but you will find that you are improving every time.
Benefits of exercise with COPD
- Your lungs deteriorate less
- You have a smaller chance of lung attacks
- Your lung complaints can decrease
- Your condition gets better
- You are less short of breath
And there are even more benefits if you decide to exercise with COPD. Of course you don't have to think about top sports performances. A walk around the block can also be a good workout, especially if you can't do that without being completely out of breath. Every COPD patient starts with a different condition at our physio practice. We will challenge you at your level through a tailor-made movement plan.
What sports can you do with COPD?
All sports are possible to do, even if you have COPD. One sport only takes more effort, strength and energy than the other sport. Cycling, running, yoga, gardening, cardio, swimming, boxing: you can (continue to) perform any sport. Every form of movement is already something and it is up to you to see which sport(s) you prefer to do. Moreover, you know best which sport you can do and which form of exercise may (now) be too intensive for you. When in doubt, you can always consult with your physiotherapist, who is happy to think along with you and give good breathing tips.
Get back to the sport you love
Have you stopped exercising for a while because you have COPD? Then it's a good time to pick this up again! For extensive advice and expertise about exercising with COPD, it is best to contact our physiotherapists. We are happy to work with you to achieve your sports goals. Make an appointment by calling / app to +31 (0)13 543 58 41 or send an email to info@fysi.nl. We look forward to seeing your request appear with us physiotherapist in Tilburg.