Achieving the appropriate frequency, duration, and intensity of exercise will help individuals with COPD achieve the maximum benefits from their exercise routines.

Moderate exercise should be done at a frequency of three to four days per week. The duration of a given exercise session should range from 30 to 50 minutes. Finally, an appropriate intensity should be a maximum workload of 80 percent of the heart rate reserve for 15 to 20 minutes of the session.