Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Try indoor exercises like yoga and deep breathing for relief

Cycling on a stationary bike provides an excellent cardiovascular workout with minimal impact on the joints. (Image: Canva)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease breathing (COPD) It encompasses several conditions, most commonly chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which often coexist in individuals with COPD. For individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), it's crucial to engage in exercises that improve cardiovascular health, lung function, and overall strength while being mindful of their limitations.

Here are eight indoor exercises suitable for people with COPD as suggested by fitness trainer Marchelle D’Souza, an expert in Integrated training.

Indoor walking: Walking indoors is convenient and accessible. You can use a treadmill if you have one, or simply walk around your home or in a large open space. Start with short distances, perhaps just a few minutes at a time, and gradually increase as tolerated. This exercise improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and helps maintain mobility.

Stationary cycling: Cycling on a stationary bike provides an excellent cardiovascular workout with minimal impact on the joints. Begin with a low resistance level and gradually increase intensity as your endurance improves. Cycling helps strengthen leg muscles and improves overall cardiovascular fitness.

Seated leg exercises: Leg exercises performed while seated are beneficial for strengthening leg muscles without putting too much strain on the lungs. These exercises include leg lifts, leg curls, and leg extensions. They help improve lower body strength, stability, and mobility.

Arm exercises: Using light hand weights or resistance bands, you can perform a variety of arm exercises such as bicep curls, tricep extensions, and shoulder presses. Strengthening the arm muscles helps with activities of daily living and enhances overall upper body strength and endurance.

Deep breathing exercises: Diaphragmatic breathing techniques, also known as belly breathing, help improve lung function and increase oxygen intake. Sit comfortably and inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to expand, then exhale slowly through your mouth. This exercise improves respiratory efficiency and reduces shortness of breath.

Yoga: Gentle yoga poses and stretching exercises promote flexibility, balance, and relaxation. Look for COPD-specific yoga routines that focus on breathing techniques and gentle movements tailored to accommodate respiratory limitations. Yoga can help improve lung function, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.

Tai Chi: Is a slow and graceful form of exercise that combines gentle movements with deep breathing. It improves balance, flexibility, and lung function while promoting relaxation and stress reduction. Tai Chi is low-impact and can be easily adapted to accommodate varying levels of physical ability.

Pursed lip breathing: Pursed lip breathing exercises help improve breathing efficiency and reduce shortness of breath. Inhale slowly through your nose, then purse your lips as if you're going to whistle and exhale slowly and evenly, as if blowing out a candle. This exercise helps keep airways open longer and reduces the work of breathing.