The 15 Best (and 10 Worst) Exercises for Asthma main image
Scroll Down To Continue

The 15 Best (and 10 Worst) Exercises for Asthma

Swimming (Best)

Swimming (Best)

Swimming is a fantastic exercise, especially for people with asthma. It's a sport that involves your whole body and doesn't require super-strong lungs. What makes it even better for folks with asthma is the warm, moist air at swimming pools. This kind of air is less likely to cause breathing problems compared to cold or dry air. So, when you swim, you get to work out and have fun without worrying too much about asthma acting up. It's like a double win – you get healthier and breathe easier!

Swimming also is great because it exercises all your muscles, and the pool's warm, humid air is good for people with asthma. This warm air doesn't irritate your lungs as much as cold or dry air, so you can exercise comfortably. Plus, swimming is fun, so it doesn't feel like a chore. It helps your heart, muscles, and breathing, all while making sure you have a good time. So, if you have asthma and want to stay fit and healthy, jumping into the pool might be just the thing for you!

Image via: Pinterest.

Walking (Best)

Walking (Best)

Walking is an excellent activity, particularly beneficial for individuals with asthma. It offers a gentle yet effective means of exercising the body while simultaneously strengthening the lungs. When you walk, you engage your lungs in a controlled manner, promoting their health and enhancing your overall cardiovascular fitness.

Walking's versatility lies in its adaptable pace. Unlike more intense exercises, it's less likely to cause breathlessness or strain. This gradual approach to movement allows the respiratory system to acclimate to the surrounding air, which is particularly advantageous for those with asthma. By incorporating walking into your routine, you're providing your lungs with a gentle workout that can contribute to improved breathing and overall well-being.

Image via: Pinterest.

Biking (Best)

Biking (Best)

Biking offers significant advantages, particularly for individuals with asthma. It presents an enjoyable and effective form of exercise that can contribute to improved lung health. When you ride a bike, you engage in physical activity that gently exercises your body while promoting better lung function. This controlled exertion is less likely to strain the respiratory system and can also lead to enhanced cardiovascular fitness.

What sets biking apart is its adaptability to various fitness levels. Whether you prefer a leisurely ride or a more brisk pace, biking allows you to find a comfortable rhythm. Additionally, the act of biking introduces fresh air into your lungs, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with asthma. By incorporating biking into your routine, you provide your lungs with a measured workout that supports respiratory well-being and encourages an active lifestyle.

Image via: Pinterest.

Hiking (Best)

Hiking (Best)

Hiking can be an excellent activity, especially for individuals dealing with asthma. It's like taking an adventure in nature that can actually benefit your lungs and overall health. When you hike, you're moving your body and breathing in fresh outdoor air. This can help improve your lung strength and capacity, which is important for people with asthma.

One of the great things about hiking is that you can choose the pace that works best for you. Whether it's a leisurely stroll or a more challenging trek, hiking allows you to tailor the experience to your comfort level. Plus, being in nature can be calming and reduce stress, which can also be good for your breathing. So, if you're looking for an enjoyable way to exercise your body and lungs and connect with the outdoors, hiking might be just the adventure for you!

Image via: Pinterest.

Yoga (Best)

Yoga (Best)

Yoga for asthma? Heck yeah! Yoga is something that deserves more attention because it's really special. It's not just a workout – it makes your body strong and your mind calm. This is especially awesome for people with asthma, as it can help them breathe better and feel more relaxed.

There are also other activities like Tai Chi and Pilates that are wonderful for your body and mind.  If you have asthma, yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates can be like your secret helpers. They can make your lungs and body stronger while also making you feel more relaxed.

Image via: Pinterest.

Golf (Best)

Golf (Best)

Golfing is a great way to get competitive without having to worry too much about your asthma. It’ll tone up your core while letting you spend some quality time with loved ones.

Image via: Pinterest.

Gymnastics (Best)

Gymnastics (Best)

Gymnasts are some of the fittest people on the planet. Luckily, gymnastics are definitely in the clear for anyone suffering from Asthma. You’ll be able to get fit while doing amazing things. 

Image via: Pinterest.

Baseball (Best)

Baseball (Best)

Baseball is perfect for asthmatics due to its start and stop nature. It’s a great place to be competitive with friends, and it has sitting built into the game, ideal for any time you feel like you may need a breather.

Image via: Pinterest.

Tennis (Best)

Tennis (Best)

Tennis is a great way to be competitive, work on your hand-eye coordination, and get in shape. There’s a bit of movement required, but there’s also plenty of time to stop and breathe in between sets.

Image via: Pinterest.

Volleyball (Best)

Volleyball (Best)

Volleyball is about as fun a summer sport as there is. It’s such a great place to goof around with friends that you’ll barely even notice the workout that you’re getting. Even better: there’s hardly any running!

Image via: Pinterest.

Football (Best)

Football (Best)

Football is the American sport. (Well, we are pretty much the only country that plays it.) It’s great for getting out, having a good time, and not having to stress too much about your asthma.

Image via: Pinterest.

Martial Arts (Best)

Martial Arts (Best)

Martial arts are one of the oldest disciplines you can practice. They’ll get both your mind and body in shape while providing your great lessons in self-defense. You’ll be more focused, more disciplined, and more confident than ever before!

Image via: Pinterest.

Weight Training (Best)

Weight Training (Best)

Weight training is a classic. Just go to the gym and pump some iron. You’ll work hard for about a minute before stopping for several. There’s plenty of room for your asthma to be kept under control. To make the deal even better, going to the gym is one of the best ways to build strength!

Image via: Pinterest.

Dancing (Best)

Dancing (Best)

Everybody needs to learn how to dance. It’s super fun, very romantic, and a natural way to get in shape. Most cities have plenty of options for learning how to dance, with a variety of different types and difficulty levels. And don’t be nervous! You’ll build confidence, but when you get started, everybody else in your beginner class will be just as clumsy as you.

Image via: Pinterest.

Kayaking (Best)

Kayaking (Best)

If you can get out on the water, do it. Kayaking is a peaceful way to enjoy beautiful scenery. Being surrounded by the water will help your breathing, and your arms and core are sure to get a workout. But be careful: it’s easy to over-extend yourself without realizing it.

Image via: Pinterest.

Skiing (Worst)

Skiing (Worst)

It's hard to resist the allure of skiing in the mountains, but you might have to. Cold weather is not the best for asthma. It’s known to trigger asthma symptoms and coupling it with an aerobic activity like skiing is not the best idea.

Image via: Pinterest.

Ice Hockey (Worst)

Ice Hockey (Worst)

While most stop and go sports are okay for people with asthma, Ice Hockey is different. You can’t really stop skating while you’re playing, and the cold weather isn’t doing your asthma any favors.

Image via: Pinterest.

Endurance Running (Worst)

Endurance Running (Worst)

Long distance running is not typically recommended for people with asthma. Heavy breathing for extended periods of time only heightens the risk of a flare-up. That said, if practiced wisely, you can be a runner. Pay attention to your body, bring your inhaler, and don’t go alone.

Image via: Pinterest.

Soccer (Worst)

Soccer (Worst)

Soccer is difficult for people with asthma. While it’s super fun and very competitive. There’s no down-time. In fact, not only are you running the whole time, but you’re sprinting a lot of that. Playing soccer would be like going on a six-mile run where you sprint instead of taking a walk-break.

Image via: Pinterest.

Basketball (Worst)

Basketball (Worst)

Basketball is full of running. It’s easy to get caught up in the game, but this sport is just not worth it. Try a different competitive team sport like volleyball or football instead.

Image via: Pinterest.

Circuit Training (Worst)

Circuit Training (Worst)

Sustaining an elevated heart rate and heaving breathing for a long period of time is not a good idea for anyone with asthma, and that’s all circuit training is. If you want to hit the weights, go for traditional weight-lifting instead.

Image via: Pinterest.

CrossFit (Worst)

CrossFit (Worst)

Yeah, CrossFitters may be super fit, but it’s not the best exercise regimen for people with asthma. On the bright side, you don’t have to join this sport’s weirdly cultish following.

Image via: Pinterest.

Interval Training (Worst)

Interval Training (Worst)

That’s right, you don’t have to run stairs. High intensity with short rest is not the best for asthmatics. If you want to do something similar to interval training, make sure you give yourself a longer rest-period.

Image via: Pinterest.

Intense Cycling (Worst)

Intense Cycling (Worst)

While casual cycling might be good for you, going out and maintaining heavy breathing for long periods while being miles and miles from home is not. Keep the bike rides a little more laid back, and get the intensity you crave from other exercises, like weightlifting.

Image via: Pinterest.

Some Outdoor Activities (Worst)

Some Outdoor Activities (Worst)

While outdoor activities are fine during certain times of the year, there are long stretches when they aren’t. Cold weather and allergy season are both likely to irritate your asthma. Even hot, dry weather will. During this time of the year, head to the gym instead.

Image via: Pinterest.