Back to COPD: Coping with Breathlessness

Exercise -- especially exercise that works your lungs and heart -- has many benefits for those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Exercise can:

- Improve how well your body uses oxygen, which is important since people with COPD use more energy to breathe than other people do.
- Decrease your symptoms and improve your breathing.
- Strengthen your heart, lower your blood pressure, and improve your circulation.
- Improve your energy, making it possible to stay more active.
- Improve your sleep and make you feel more relaxed.
- Help you maintain a healthy weight.
- Enhance your mental and emotional outlook.
- Reduce your social isolation, if you exercise with others.
- Strengthen your bones.

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