Exercising In Winter For People with Cystic Fibrosis
18th Oct 21
As the weather gets a bit colder, it’s essential to take note of the best places to exercise. Of course, for many people, exercising outdoors or at the gym is still an option; it’s just a matter of a couple of extra layers or moving your gym hours as the clocks change. But for people with Cystic Fibrosis, both of these options can be pretty dangerous to their health making exercising in winter difficult.
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Areas to Avoid
Cystic Fibrosis is a condition that affects the lungs, which makes them susceptible to catching illnesses at any time, but more so in the colder months. Catching something as small as a cold can have detrimental effects no matter how severe the case of CF is. Just being outside in the cold can put a strain on the lungs, making it difficult to breathe easily. But you need to keep exercising to stay fit and to keep the lungs healthy and clear, so it can cause a bit of a dilemma.
A similar issue applies to going to the gym. A large space full of people who have sniffles and colds can be a breeding ground for anyone with CF. In addition, if you are heading there on a regular basis, you’re bound to pick something up when you’re touching equipment others have used and are sharing the same space. It just isn’t safe, so the gym is a big area to avoid in the winter.
Find out more about how sickness can affect those with CF here.
Benefits of Indoor Exercise
But exercising regularly is still massively important, and that’s where working out from home comes in. There are so many things out there to make working out from home easier, no matter what you prefer doing. Exercise for people with CF provides the usual benefits of building stamina and helping with weight management, but it also helps to clear and strengthen the lungs and the heart.
Types of Exercise
Cardio is good for people with CF as it gets the lungs working and the heart beating, but if you like yoga or strength training, those are great options too. Anything that gets you moving and out of breath. Working out from home can suit you in any way. If you don’t have a lot of space, you can get something that folds away or get some accessories that tidy away when you aren’t using them.
If you want to go a bit bigger, you can grab some cardio equipment like exercise bikes, cross trainers or rowing machines. Alternatively, strength machines can be great if you want to build up some strength, or you could try your hand at some boxing. For people with Cystic Fibrosis, all exercise is good exercise!
One option that could be good if you don’t want to overexert yourself or are struggling with mental health is yoga. Life with Cystic Fibrosis is complex, and that can get on top of you sometimes, and in those moments, the last thing you might want to do is go for a cycle or run. Yoga can help to strengthen muscles slowly and still provide a good workout, but it can also help you clear your mind and improve your mood.
So…
In the winter months, it is massively crucial for those with Cystic Fibrosis to look after their health and well-being as they can’t just shake the sickness off as many healthy people can. So wrap up warm, stay inside when you can and bring the gym to the comfort of your own home.
Don’t forget that if you buy a Roger Black product, Exercise.co.uk will donate £5 to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust!
Before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, consult your physician, doctor or other professional. This is especially important for individuals over the age of 35 or persons with pre-existing health problems. Exercise.co.uk assumes no responsibility for personal injury or property damage sustained using our advice.
If you experience dizziness, nausea, chest pain, or any other abnormal symptoms, stop the workout at once and consult a physician or doctor immediately.
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