Exercise may help to maintain physical and mental well-being while living with interstitial lung disease (ILD). There are lots of ways to stay active such as walking, strength exercises, and taking part in hobbies. Below are some exercises you can consider. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about which exercises may be appropriate for you.
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Exercising While Living with ILD
Even Simple Exercises May Make a Difference
Exercises recommended for people with ILD include:
- Taking walks
- Bicycling
- Stretching
- Resistance exercises, like weights
Regular exercise may help you to feel stronger, helping you to perform everyday activities.
Simple Tips to Add Exercise to Your Daily Life
Below are some quick tips to help you begin exercising:
1
Speak to your healthcare team before you start any demanding exercise regimens. Your healthcare team will be able to discuss the most suitable exercises for you.
2
Include exercise in your daily life. Try to move more during your everyday activities, like walking, cleaning, or gardening.
3
Don’t try to do too much. Choose a small goal first, such as something that needs a little more effort, like climbing a flight of stairs or going shopping on foot.
4
Divide your exercise goal into short stages. If you complete one of them, that’s already a small victory, which could motivate you to try the next one.
5
Keep a diary of your exercise and activities so that you have a personal record to discuss with your healthcare team.
Many people with ILD will be offered a pulmonary rehabilitation program. This includes educational training about ILD, as well as supporting exercises that may be performed in a group.
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