The Best Ways To Stay Active with Cystic Fibrosis

Exercise is a great form of medicine for people with Cystic Fibrosis. Any exercise does the job, but some more specific types can have massive benefits for the body. It’s important to focus on types of exercise that get the heart pumping and help clear the lungs and improve physical bulk and overall health. Generally, this covers anything from home workouts to sports and even daily walks, whatever suits you. But making sure you include certain aspects can have massive benefits.

Want to move fast? Jump to the right section below.

• Strength
• Cardio
• Stretching & Yoga

Strength

Firstly, strength exercises are great for building up physical bulk in people with Cystic Fibrosis. Often not all of the important parts of food, such as protein, make it to where it needs to be in the body. This can affect muscle mass, especially in the lungs, which people without Cystic Fibrosis would naturally have.

That’s where strength exercises can be a massive benefit. That can be lifting weights, training with dumbbells, or doing some bodyweight strength exercises. Anything that builds muscle works.

If you’re new to strength training, try these exercises daily for a light workout:

1. Tricep dips
2. Lunges
3. Crunches
4. Glute bridge
5. Squats
6. Plank
7. Step-ups
8. Deadlift
9. Seated shoulder press
10. Tricep extension

*Videos linked above can be used with the equipment shown or not.

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Cardio

Cardio is beneficial for people with Cystic Fibrosis as it helps get the heart and lungs working. This is important to build endurance and strengthen those vital organs whilst also helping clear the lungs. Being able to breathe as well as possible is something that is tested regularly for people with CF, so any exercise that tests that and leaves you out of breath is perfect.

Exercises such as:

• Running
• Cycling
• Playing Sports
• Swimming
• Elliptical
• Rowing

There are loads to choose from, and most can be done outdoors, at the gym or home.

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Stretching & Yoga

Stretching and exercises like yoga can be really beneficial to those with CF, particularly around the ribs and shoulders. Keeping your joints and muscles strong and flexible will help with muscle, bone and joint preservation and will help you keep full movement in these areas for as long as possible.

Yoga workouts can be great for this as it’s relaxing whilst still being exercise that benefits you. Aside from the physical benefits, living with CF can be difficult and stressful mentally and emotionally. Doing yoga can help you to sleep better, clear your mind and reduce stress at any age.

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Something to bear in mind is where you exercise. Heading to the gym can be a great motivator, but remember to stay safe and clean to avoid germs and catching illnesses. If this doesn’t suit you, workout outside (be sure to wrap up warm) or get some equipment for your home. Just remember that exercise is a great help for anyone with Cystic Fibrosis.

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.