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: ________________________________________

© 2000-2026 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.
Related Articles
Read article
Lung Health
Lung Safety at Work

How much do you know about respiratory protection? Take this quiz to find out.

Read article
Lung Health
Chronic Lung Disease: Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Being underweight can limit your energy. This makes it harder to be active and makes you more likely to get an infection. And being overweight can increase shortness of breath. So you should try to stay at a healthy weight. Read on for helpful tips.

Read article
Lung Health
Using an Incentive Spirometer

An incentive spirometer is a handheld device that helps you do deep breathing exercises. Learn how to use it with these step-by-step instructions.

Read article
Lung Health
Resources for Chronic Lung Disease

You can do many things to help control COPD. Sticking to your treatment plan may not always be easy, but feeling your best depends on it. Read on for some pulmonary rehab programs, support groups, and other resources that can help you.