[805tacoma]

first of all, id like to say whats up to everyone, ive been roaming around these fourm boards for almost a year now and finally registered, back to the point i dont know if many of you guys have asthma or other breathing problems that might help but maybe i can get some kind of input on this, ive finally gotten off of my ass and started working out and dieting but im having trouble with cardio due to my asthma, i have a hard time running a full 30 mins and have to pause constantly, so i was hoping if you guys can suggest other cardio workouts that are as affective as running but wont get me out of breath so easily, thanks ahead for your suggestions

[Standard]

Glad to have you aboard man, i'm new myself as you can tell by my post count.

Asthma is a tricky thing, if your doing weight training try increasing the speed of the workout, you'll end up doing lighter weights but you can get a good calorie burn from lifting.

Things that you could do for cardio are increase the resistance if its a machine, the quality is far more important then the quantity of cardio. If you run try windsprints, so for example if you have a 400 m track sprint 100 and then go a slow pace for the next 300 to recover, it really helps to condition the body and should allow you to condition your lungs and heart.

Just suggestions though

[Revok]

I had asthma for years and it kept me from running, but it did fully abate when I got serious. This may not be the case with you, but I believe my asthma was simply due to weak lungs. Running in particular was hell because it would immediately tighten up my diaphragm and leave me feeling like my lungs were the size of walnuts, but for some reason other forms of cardio weren't so bad - so you're on the right track in avoiding running for now.

Try doing hard anaerobic workouts - tabata burpees, punchbag work, dumbell thrusters, barbell or sandbag complexes, intervals on a stationary bike, etc. Hit your lungs as hard as you can in short, intense bursts, and they will strengthen up and increase in volume. Hypoxic training during swimming might also be of huge benefit.

Pay attention to temperature (I could never do anything in hot weather), make sure you're getting enough sleep and staying mentally stress-free, and also note the air quality (if you're running, stay away from congested roads, high pollen counts may also cause discomfort). Also, I found that using asthma inhalers, while they gave relief during an attack, actually left my lungs weak for day or so afterwards, so only use the medication when absolutely necessary.

Stay strong and train smart, and the asthma will disappear.

[805tacoma]

thanks alot guys, youre replys were very helpful, ill look up all the workouts you guys suggested and do them, i cant thank you guys enough its been killing me not being able to think of any ways to do my cardio and deal with my asthma at the same time

[Girljock]

you might want to contact a local running club. Chances are someone there has asthma and might be able to give you some tips. There are a lot of world class athletes that have it...so it is very managable. Also...a call to the doc wouldn't hurt I'm sure. Good luck.

[jma]

for me, running dosnt really bother me.. wrestling does but that is about it.. i have not had problems in years, once i got into really good shape all my ashtma problems went away completey.(i still have to take singulair once a day, but that is about it)

[Pigglywiggly]

I'm about to go into the Marines, and I have azthma (don't tell anyone).

I can tell you right now that one of the best things you can do is swim alot. Sometimes the way you breath can aggravate your lungs, and send you into an attack. Swimming trains your lungs and mind how to operate in harsh conditions.

[Revok]

Came across some general info...

http://www.sportsmed.buffalo.edu/info/exerasthma.html

http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/1996/01_96/rupp.htm

Nonpharmacologic Interventions

The goal of EIA management is to allow patients to participate fully in athletic activities without difficulty. The ultimate success of pharmacologic therapy will depend on the following nonpharmacologic strategies: activity modification, improvement in ambient air conditions, and patient education.

Management should begin with efforts to increase physical conditioning, which can reduce the requirements for pharmacotherapy and decrease the incidence of asthma attacks (7,24). Also, short bursts of activity have been shown to decrease EIA (25). By incorporating warm-up activities into their exercise program, patients may be able to take advantage of the refractory period and decrease the frequency and severity of bronchospastic episodes.

Warm, humid environments or breathing in warm, humid air will ameliorate EIA and will improve the patient's chances of being refractory to repeated exercise challenge over the next 1 to 3 hours. Wearing a face mask during activity warms and humidifies inspired air when outdoor conditions are cold and dry. Breathing through the nose rather than the mouth will filter, warm, and humidify inspired air.

Education can boost the effectiveness of other therapeutic interventions. Patients must be aware of the conditions that exacerbate their disease and how to avoid them, early signs of an impending asthma attack, and appropriate use of medications for prevention and flares.