Weight lifting and Asthma

  You are pumping out the poundage on the bench press grunting under the strain of the weight

forcing the rep out.  Sweat is pouring, the heart is pumping and your lungs are struggling trying to catch

some air.  You are struggling because you have asthma and the tightening of your lungs is getting worse. 

This is not a good time to have an attack in the middle of a rep.  I’m an asthmatic and I’ve been the

recipient of such a situation and I can tell you it’s not fun. 

      For those who don’t know what Asthma is, Asthma is natural in which an inflamation of the lungs

is caused by internal and external factors. .  Stress is a factor which can bring on an attack and those 

factors that trigger attacks are allergens and irritants such as dust, animal dander, mold, foods, food

additives, wood smoke, chemical fumes, cold air and a wide range of other substances.     

      Do you continue with your workout or do you interrupt your reps?  I have delayed that last rep in

order to suck on my inhaler letting the medicine work.  Some may not agree with me about interrupting

the workout but if you don’t the attack will impede your reps.  Cutting short your workout because of

the attack is not what anyone wants and I’m one of those.  Don’t ignore your attack, take the breath to

relax and continue the workout.

      I believe the use of an inhaler is a quick fix and definitely not the final solution.  When I use my

inhaler my attack does subside but I do feel some side effects.  Those side effects can range from a

quicker heart rate, jitters, shaky hands, and fast paced talking which can bring on stuttering.  I use my

inhaler as a last resort finding weight lifting as a helpful alternative.  Weight lifting opens up

my lungs controlling my asthma enabling me to get the workout that I need. 

      I try to advocate the use of exercising all the time to fellow asthma sufferers.  I have noticed the

difference in how I approach my exercise routines.  My lungs are more relaxed and I notice

my breathing during a workout.  I take long, slow breaths while keeping my eyes closed and letting the

air out slowly.  I believe my lungs do the happy dance all the time now which makes me happy and

breathing right. 

        If you want to continue breathing right and you enjoy exercising then engage in aerobic

exercises.  The deep, vigorous breathing opens up the lungs breaking down the restrictive air space

that’s causing the incapacitation.  Bringing aerobics to your routine will give you an awareness to

your bodily system that will control your asthma.  I am a fan of jump roping, running in place,

marathons, swimming (although this is a weak activity for me).  All of these activities are essential to the

health of your lungs and they will thank you.  Bringing this element to your routine will give you an

awareness to your bodily system that will control your asthma. 

      Anytime we can control our asthma is a step in the right direction.  Asthma doesn’t have to control

any part of our lives, we don’t have to suffer and we can definitely beat it.  We don’t want Asthma to

claim any more lives than is reported.  According to a study by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of

America nine people die from Asthma every day.  These deaths are too many when there are

alternatives to suppress this problem. 

        One alternative isn’t the use of pharmacological substances but the advantage of extending your

pre-exercise warm ups.  Performing pre-exercise warm ups such as jump rope or jogging is an excellent

advantage over asthma.  If you warm up below the maximum exercise level it will suppress a possible

flare up.  When you perform your routine at the sub-threshold level you will be able to gradually work

up to the max level of a workout.  Continuing a workout throughout your attack or the onset of an

attack will have the potential of making you sicker. 

      Don’t let asthma impede your workout or weight lifting goals.  Be proactive in taking your

medication pre-workout and during your workout.  Asthma isn’t just in relation to weightlifting

but can also be in relation to other sports. There are many pro athletes who suffer with asthma, for

example, Dennis Rodman (Pro basketball) and Nancy Hogshead (Competitive swimmer) control their

episodes and are able to perform their professions.  Knowing there are these athletes and other

athletes who control their asthma helps us pursue our weight lifting goals.

      Weightlifting and asthma can be balanced when your breathing is done correctly.  I hear a lot of

people suggest breathing in through the nose and exhaling through the mouth and I can agree with this

routine.  Some people may not agree with me and that is fine but it has worked for me.  Breathing

deeply and slowly eases the anxiety of an attack keeping you from rapid, shallow breaths.   

Rapid, shallow breathing is a fear response causing your asthma more distress. 

        Keeping asthma controlled is a good thing.  We have a lot of resources and

preventions today that can ease asthma and not inhibit the workout regimen.  I can tell you anytime I’m

able to do my work out without having my asthma show its’ ugly head makes me a happy camper.  I

always enjoy a solid workout without interruptions.  I’m sure others will agree. 

        There is a lot more that can be written on this subject but I wanted weight lifting and asthma

to be the point of interest.  I am positive this article will be an encouragement and helpful

to those who are involved in weight lifting or who are interested in starting a workout regimen.  You are

not alone in the fight against asthma and your weight lifting goals.  Control your asthma and let

weight lifting take precedence in your life and not the other way around.  Don’t let asthma own you.

        I hope to see you in the gym pumping out those reps vigourously and not having to stop because of

an asthmatic attack.  Utilize the resources on the internet, this article and the reference materials

mentioned in order to gain insights on the benefits of weight lifting and asthma.  Keep yourself healthy,

your asthma captive, and weight lifting uninterrupted.  Make use of the healthy alternatives and enjoy

your weight lifting routine.  Keep your lungs happy and the bench press warm as you grunt and push

those pounds out to beat asthma into the weightlifting mat. 



Resources: 

Asthma Sourcebook, Annemarie S. Muth, Health Reference Series, First Edition, 2000

Taking Charge of Asthma, Betty B. Wray, M.D., 1998

Bodybuilding.com, Marie Spano, MS, RD, Vice President of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) is a registered dietitian with a MS in Nutrition and BS in Exercise and Sports Science. April 7, 2010.