Over the years, I’ve worked with many clients who live with asthma, and one thing I hear time and again is how nervous they often feel about exercise. The fear of breathlessness or a flare-up can make it hard to even start. But what they’ve also discovered is that with the right approach, movement can become something empowering rather than daunting. Small but consistent steps have made a huge difference, not just to their fitness, but to their everyday lives.
Why Exercise Can Be a Gift for Your Lungs
When you move regularly, your body adapts in the best possible ways. Your lungs and heart become more efficient, so everyday activities—walking up the stairs, carrying shopping, chasing after grandchildren—feel easier. Exercise can also help you manage weight, which takes some pressure off your lungs, and it’s a brilliant mood booster too. Many of my clients tell me that once they started moving more, they felt stronger and more in control of their asthma than they ever expected.
The Best Kinds of Exercise for Asthma
Not all exercise feels the same when you have asthma. Some types are gentler on the airways and allow you to enjoy movement without triggering symptoms. Walking is a wonderful place to start—it’s simple, low impact, and you can adjust the pace to suit how you feel. Swimming is another favourite, thanks to the warm, moist air that makes breathing easier.
Pilates is brilliant for posture, core strength, and teaching you how to control your breathing. And if you love something more upbeat, cycling or low-impact dance can get your heart rate up whilst still feeling in control of things.
The most important thing is to choose something you actually enjoy. If it feels like a chore, it won’t last. If it feels like a treat, it can become part of your life.
Staying Safe While You Move
Exercising with asthma isn’t about avoiding effort—it’s about being prepared. A gentle warm-up and cool-down are key, because sudden bursts of activity can sometimes trigger symptoms. Keep your reliever inhaler close by, just in case, and notice what conditions affect you—cold, dry air or high pollen days can be harder, so you may want to adjust when and where you exercise. Most importantly, listen to your body. A little breathlessness is normal when you’re active, but wheezing, chest tightness, or severe shortness of breath are signs to pause.
Five Simple Ways to Weave Exercise into Your Day
- Take little walking breaks – even 10 minutes after lunch or dinner adds up.
- Move while you multitask – put on your favourite podcast or phone a friend while you stroll.
- Stretch out regularly – a few minutes of yoga or Pilates can help both body and breath.
- Turn daily chores into mini workouts – gardening, housework, or carrying bags all count.
- Make it enjoyable – dance to your favourite song, join a class, or find a friend to exercise with.
(Always check with your GP first before starting a new exercise regime, and have your inhaler with you at all times).
A Gentle Reminder
Asthma may feel like a limitation at times, but it doesn’t have to stop you from moving with freedom. By choosing the right kinds of exercise, taking sensible precautions, and giving yourself permission to start small, you can build a routine that feels safe, supportive, and empowering. Over time, those small daily choices add up—not just to stronger lungs and a healthier heart, but to a more confident and energised you.
