Had copd for over 6 years and gone from size 10/12 to 6/8. ive lost a lot of muscle too. Would joining a gym help?
@A MyCOPDTeam Member...whatever doctor recommends on exercise, I'd say. But how about stocking up on those protein drinks? And then a quick Google can reveal what foods are good for COPD...then try to eat as best you can following those guidelines. Have a good New Year's, friend!
Absolutely! Talk with your doc about dietary things you can do to help increase your weight, and about starting an exercise program. Working with weights/resistance to strengthen your upper, lower and core muscle groups will help enormously. You might want to ask for a physical therapy evaluation before you jump into a weight program at a gym. Most gyms will offer introductory sessions with a trainer to help you learn how to use weights and the equipment safely and most will help you get set up in a routine. One you've spent three months on a routine, you may want to have another session to change it up a bit.
A good diet and exercise program will help with weight loss. I know, I've done it. I started an aggressive diet and weight loss program when my FEV1 was 16% and I was on O2 24/7. Over 18 months, I lost over 100 pounds, got off a lot of meds, got off O2 completely, got my FEV1 back up to 35% which is what it had been when I was first diagnosed, and got a whole new wardrobe. I used a standard 1200 - 1500 calorie diabetic diet and a LOT of exercise. I did 45 minutes on the treadmill before work and 45 minutes on the TM as soon as I got home from work. Because of the weight loss and the improvement in my breathing, I was able to work full time until my planned retirement in 2010 and since then I've continued to work part-time as a peer surveyor for a national accreditation company and as a COPD advocate. Life is full and really good. Yours can be too.
Wow going back to the YMCA and try to improve myself. Thanks for the up beat story
Once I feel better I'm going back there and walk around and do some strength lightly. They can help you figure it out also talk to your Dr