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How much exercise is too much?

Hi all,
I'm new to the forum and I've found it an excellent resource. I just got a COPD diagnosis a few weeks ago, following a chest Xray and ongoing breathing issues. Still waiting on a few other tests to confirm everything.

Meanwhile, I'm keen to do whatever I can do to improve things. But I'm not sure how hard I should push myself.

Is it a case of no pain no gain? Should I exercise as hard as I can now to reap the benefits later?

Thing is that after anything more than a short walk I'm really worn out and I'm not sure what are the signs or indicators to look out for, to tell me when to take it a bit easier.

I'd be very grateful for any advice.
Thanks all.

  1. Hi. Welcome to our community. You are in good company here. Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. However, getting that proper diagnosis can also be a good thing. It means that you and your doctor can take all the best steps to set you on a path to feeling better. How hard should you push yourself? So many studies show the benefits of staying active despite COPD. How active should you be. That would be a great question for your doctor. It may also be a good time to discuss pulmonary rehabilitation (https://copd.net/?s=pulmonary+rehabilitation) with your doctor. These are programs where experts can help you determine what exercises are best, how to do them (per your question) and how much to push yourself. Does this answer your question? John. Site Moderator.

    1. Thanks for the speedy reply John.

      Yes, I've added it to my list of questions for the Doc. I have an appointment at the end of this month. Meanwhile, I'll probably just do plenty of walking but not too much strenuous uphill stuff. Ta.

  2. I love this forum, a lot to learn about COPD, my dad was diagnosed with it last month, and reading a lot of experiences from this forum makes me feel that I am not alone in this battle. I am not ready to lose my dad yet. Thank you moderators for keeping this forum alive, cheers!

    1. Hi GlaceSoundRacer, and thanks for your kind words. We are glad to have you as a member of our online community. To learn more about COPD, you have certainly come to the right place! Should you need assistance with anything COPD related, please feel free to reach out to me or any of the other moderators / team members at your convenience.

      As my colleague, Debz, said below, I think you'll find you are rarely, if ever alone when it comes to this condition. I thought you might gain some additional insight regarding COPD, from this article on the 'basics': https://copd.net/basics/.

      We hope to see more of you here as you become more familiar with our COPD.net website.

      Wishing you well,
      Leon (site moderator COPD.net)

  3. Hi GlaceSoundRacer
    We're really pleased you lkve this Forum and find it supportive. Yiu are definitely not alone in this Journey. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Debz (Site Moderator)

    1. I am new to this group also and I found this to be a lot of help. Thank you guys for the information shared. Hopefully, I will get insights from you guys when my part to ask is on.

      1. Thank you for chiming in and sharing that you enjoy this group and the information we offer. Very much appreciated. We are very glad to have you here. Do feel free to chime in with questions of your own anytime. All the best to you. John. Community Moderator. copd.net

      2. HI again, caterwaul, and thanks for your kind words. We will look forward to and very much welcome your anticipated participation here.
        Please know that you are always welcome here!
        All the best,
        Leon (site moderator COPD.net)

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