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Asthma and Working out

This isn't for me, but a friend. They have quite bad asthma which means they can't do things that get them too puffed out. Obviously this has the effect of making excercising fairly difficult, as it makes most cardio vascular stuff very difficult. They just want to lose a little weight (though they are far, far from overweight atm, just tighten up a little) and not really gain muscle - but can anyone offer a few suggestions as to anything this person could do in spite of their asthma?

Reply 1

Chi3f

well there are 2 parts to losing weight, exercising and dieting. If exercising is hard, then do the dieting part.

Reply 2

jennyflake

The idea is that the inhalers they take for their asthma control it so they can get on with things as normal. They should in most cases, be able to walk at a fair pace, without getting puffed, jog for short periods. Swimming is the best excercise as learn to control their breathing.
And if they feel they cant do these, they need to go back to the doctor, and see about getting some inhalers etc. that are more effective for them.

Reply 3

Solid_L

When I was younger I had asthma, and the one major thing I can recommend is swimming. It increases lung capacity and greatly aids the symptoms of asthma.

Of course, the person needs to take it easy and be sure not to become too out of breath. But I found swimming definately helps.

If the person's asthma is really bad, it may be a good idea for someone to swim with them just incase an attack occurs.

Reply 4

Ryan

Diet then.

Although I have asthma and have been working out for 2 years without any real problems. Depends how much you want to look good I suppose.

Reply 5

kpg

Get them to see their doctor first and ask for suggestions. There are many asthmatics at the top of their sports profession so it doesn't necesarilly have to stop them.

Reply 6

rhythm_bandit

Yea tell him to go see his doctor. not only is gonna know more about this than us, but he'll also know about the specifics about ur friends asthma. to me it sounds like his asthma is pretty severe.