Management

Exercising with Chronic Lung Disease: Keep Moving!

Choose a preferred language

Think about what you can do to make exercise a way of life. How can you work it into your daily routine? How can you make it more enjoyable? The suggestions below may lead to some ideas of your own.

Woman walking up stairs.


Make exercise part of your day…

  Start your day with some simple stretches before you get out of bed.

  Go to your favorite store and walk up and down the long aisles.

  While watching TV, stretch your arms and legs.

  Park your car a little farther from a store and walk the rest of the way.

  Take the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator.

  Add up the minutes of moderate activity you do all day.

Try your own ideas: ________________________________________


…And make it fun!

  Visit with friends by walking around the neighborhood together.

  Take your dog for a walk in the park.

  Walk through a museum, mall, or zoo with your family.

  Bowl, fish, or golf with friends.

  Put a photo of your kids or grandkids near your exercise spot for motivation.

  Read a book or magazine while you ride an exercise bike.

  Listen to your favorite music or a comedy tape while you exercise.

Try your own ideas: ________________________________________

Online Medical Reviewer: Chris Southard RN

Online Medical Reviewer: Rajadurai Samnishanth Researcher

Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN

Date Last Reviewed: 10/01/2024

© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Find a doctor that's right for you.

From routine check-ups to groundbreaking treatments and beyond, Crestner Health is here to help you live your healthiest life.

Search our doctors
Related Articles
Read article
Lung Health
Taking Bronchodilators

Bronchodilators are medicines that help open the airways of your lungs. These medicines are used to ease breathing problems caused by lung diseases like asthma.

Read article
Lung Health
Chronic Lung Disease: Controlling Stress

Stress and anxiety can make breathing harder. When it's hard to breathe, it's natural to get anxious and start to panic. This makes you even more short of breath. This sequence is known as the dyspnea cycle, and it's common among people with COPD. The good news is, you have the power to break the cycle.

Read article
Lung Health
Pursed-Lip Breathing

Pursed-lip breathing can help you get more oxygen into your lungs when you're short of breath. Learn how and when to do it.

Read article
Lung Health
Exercising with a Chronic Condition: My Exercise Log

Make copies of this chart to track your progress. During the week, fill in the activities you do each day.