It is important for an individual with COPD to stay active and exercise. This will help build strength, endurance, be more active for longer periods of time, and reduce shortness of breath. This can be done nearly anywhere but there are some pulmonary rehab facilities that make an interval training program for COPD sufferers. Before starting a program, the patients need to consult a doctor to make sure what all exercises can be done. When COPD sufferers start the program, the focus should be on breathing and rest if fatigued. The first week or two needs to be taken slowly and gradually.

Modes of Exercise

There are several modes of exercise people with COPD can engage in to achieve their physical fitness and overall health goals. These include:

• Lower body exercises, including walking on a treadmill, walking around a track, stair climbing, and weight lifting
• Upper body exercises, including raising arms against gravity and arm and chest exercises
• Strength training exercises, including weight lifting to build muscle strength and endurance
• Flexibility exercises, including sit and reach (targets hamstrings, lower back, and hips) and others stretches and movements that will improve overall range of motion (ROM)
• Additionally, individuals with COPD should work on mental wellness and discipline exercises and strategies, such as measured breathing, to increase awareness of such issues as symptoms of fatigue