Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

You have heard the expression, “Use it or lose it.”  That may be especially true with deteriorating breathing.  When I was first diagnosed, the pulmonologist said he wanted me exercising, hard, for at least 20 minutes a day.  

That was a joke! I tried.  Not happening.  

Then spouse said, “Can you do one minute?”  Sure, anyone can do one minute!  “Then then next day can you do one minute more?”  Maybe.  It took a while, but now I use the exercise bike for 20-45 minutes a day, six days a week.  And I am in the pool for an hour twice a week.

Start where you can, and build from there.  Thirty minutes of treadmill are a good idea if you can’t wander outdoors.

I will admit that I enjoyed this bike during pulmonary rehab, and I bought it, even though it is expensive.

There are less expensive ones available.  This has the advantage of working arms/legs/both.

Some medicare plans include free gym membership if it has “Silver Sneakers™” or for $25/year if it has “Silver and Fit™”.  My local Y includes all classes in the membership.  I decided to try the Water Arthritis class, since it is less strenuous than Water Aerobics.  It works for me.  (See the post on swimming.)

What works for me is to be scheduled.  It becomes as automatic as tooth-brushing.  After checking my email and a few favorite sites while I have coffee, it’s time for the morning shows, and I perch on the exercise bike from 7 to 7:20 on pool days and from 7:00 to 7:45 on non-pool days.  I flick through the news, weather, and morning show channels, and the time goes by.

Find a plan that works for you and do it, even when you don't feel like it.

Does exercise really make a difference?
My pulmonologist seems surprised that I can do as much as I do, given my "Very Severe" pulmonary function test results. He credits the regular exercise with making it possible.