Lung conditions do not discriminate; they affect men, women, children, smokers, non-smokers, and people who have never smoked. Lung disease in Australia is common and often underestimated.
There are many lung conditions including but not limited to: COPD, Lung Cancer, Asthma, Bronchiectasis, Interstitial Lung diseases, Pleural Mesothelioma, Cystic Fibrosis and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH).
Why it’s important to exercise
People who have a chronic lung condition are often less active and can lose their fitness and muscle strength. By exercising regularly, a person’s fitness and muscle strength can be maintained or improved.
Exercising for more than two hours per week performing activities such as walking or cycling, can improve the health of people with chronic lung conditions. As a result they will feel better and stay well.
People who exercise regularly can reduce their need for hospital admission. Walking is one of the most important aspects of an exercise program for respiratory health and should be combined with some weight or resistance based upper and lower limb exercises.