The Buzz of Exercising
Do you ever get frustrated? Frustrated because your mind says "Yes you can do this, you go to do it!" and your body says "NO!!" That's me to a tee. I often think 'ooh that needs doing' and I get up to do it and suddenly realize its way out of my realm to do it.
I used to get so fed up I would sit down and cry thinking why me, and then think well it's my own fault for smoking and not listening to the people who would suggest to give up. I started to exercise with the Pulmonary Rehab team and after the Program I carried on at home, buying dumbells and ankle weights. Using the books from my Pulmonary Rehab I carried on exercising at home...
What a buzz
Wow! What a buzz I get! Especially mentally if the weather is bad and I can't go out. I've kept a book and write all the exercises down and what I have achieved. Trying to beat my last score every two days.
Family members and friends started to notice that I'm looking different, fitter and healthier. That my outlook in life is more positive. I set myself goals and make sure I meet them. Mentally I feel stronger - my emotions are a bit more in check, and I don't burst into tears so often which does happen when you have COPD.
Stronger physical health
My physical health is stronger - a lot fewer flare-ups and chest infections. Though I can not walk far without getting out of breath and having to stop, I do marching on the spot with holding dumbells or wearing ankle weights. Wall presses sit to stand, leg raises with ankle weights on. Star jacks with dumbells. I get that buzz of achievement knowing that I have done something positive. I still go to the gym and do Healthy Lungs Circuits twice a week (weather permitting) as my walking is limited I use a mobility scooter to get around. It takes away some of the stress of trying to get to places.
People ask me how I can exercise and do 45 min of circuits and yet not walk far and question me if I use my wheelchair or scooter. Exercises use different muscles than walking - I burn a lot of calories just to breath so building up my muscles helps my breathing more. I'm all for saving energy and also having fun in the gym.
Have faith in yourself
My COPD is Stage 4 with a Lung Function of 20%, so its proof never to go by numbers but on how you feel and having faith in yourself. Don't sit there and think of the 'what's ifs' or 'I wish' - it won't change anything. Get up and do it, start off slowly and gradually build up, listen to your body as it will tell you what you can and can't do. It's such a good feeling when someone tells you how well you're looking. You get more positive and a good feeling on your outlook on life. Happy Exercise = Happy Life.
Editor's Note: We are heartbroken to share that Debz passed away in October of 2021. She is deeply missed but her positivity and resilience live on through her articles. Thank you for everything, Debz.
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