Asthma: Exercising Indoors

When you have asthma, it’s a good idea to work out inside if the weather turns cold where you live. People tend to breathe through their mouth during vigorous activity. The chilly, dry air goes to the airways without first warming up in the nose and can worsen asthma symptoms. Here’s how you can avoid flare-ups and stay active this winter:

• Walk the mall. Put on your walking shoes and do laps, and take the stairs instead of the escalator.

• Go swimming. Many communities have an indoor pool where you can swim laps all year long.

• Sign up for a class. If you have always wanted to learn yoga, salsa dancing, or a martial art, now is the time to give it a try.

• Invest in fitness. Buying a gym membership or a home treadmill or exercise bike can give you a convenient way to work out inside.

• Get off the couch. Lift weights or stretch while watching your favorite TV show, or work up a sweat with an exercise DVD or video.

• Turn housework into a workout. For example, if your vacuum cleaner has a self-propel option, turn it off.