COPD and Physical Exercise
If you're thinking about starting an active lifestyle sometime soon, Russell shares his tips to help you get started.
Before you start exercising, the first thing you need to do is go and see your doctor. Discuss with your physician how you should approach exercise and what your limitations are.
I've got my tools of the trade that I use when exercising and here of some of them.
Pulse Oximeter
A pulse oximeter gives you your oxygen saturations and is very important when you're exercising because it helps with keeping your oxygen levels above 90 percent.
Garmin Watch
This one isn't essential for exercising.
My Garmin watch and heart rate strap. So this gives me my heart rate while I'm exercising. The Garmin Watch produces a heart rate value in numbers too.
Find a Comfortable Pair of Running Shoes
When I'm shopping for a pair of running shoes, I always try to find a pair which I feel I will get the most comfort and support out of because a good pair of running shoes will help you avoid injury.
Portable Oxygen Machine
Next is a device that I use from time to time. This is a portable oxygen machine in the form of a backpack. The one I use is a Simply Go Mini, and I've used it on a 60K ride and a 5K run.
It's lightweight and pretty comfortable to wear, and if you need to supplement your oxygen while exercising, this is a device I can recommend.
Additionally, If you need a bit of mobility because of your condition, look at a portable oxygen concentrator backpack. They're lightweight, easy to use, and they just allow you to do things that maybe you didn't think possible.
So there are the tools I use when I exercise.
