Exercise and Asthma: How to Stay Active Safely
Living with asthma doesn’t mean you have to avoid exercise. In fact, regular physical activity can improve lung function, boost overall fitness, and enhance quality of life for people with asthma. The key is understanding how to exercise safely, recognise your limits, and manage symptoms effectively. With the right approach, staying active can become a positive and empowering part of asthma care. Can People with Asthma Exercise? Yes—absolutely. Many people with asthma successfully participate in activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, and even competitive sports. Exercise helps strengthen the heart and lungs, improves stamina, and supports mental wellbeing. However, some people experience exercise-induced asthma symptoms , including shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness, or wheezing. These symptoms don’t mean you should stop exercising altogether; they simply mean you need a plan. Choosing the Right Type of Exercise Not all exercises affect asthma in the sam...