The reason for us to exercise in the first place is to increase our stamina and endurance. Your long term goal needs to be 30 minutes of non-stop activity, whether it's walking or something else. None of us can do that in the beginning, so we begin where we are. The biggest mistake most COPDers make is that they take off at what they think is a "normal" pace, and very quickly run out of air. The real key is to slow way down, to the point where you're sure the turtle will catch you on the corners, and see how long you can go before you have to stop and catch your breath. Note the time, and then do it again until you've done 30 minutes total. Do the same thing for the next couple of days. Then slowly, add a minute or two before you stop. You'll be surprised at yourself when you get to 30 minutes without stopping. Once you've hit that milestone, you can continue to add time, speed or distance. Keep pushing yourself gently but consistently to increase the intensity of the exercise.

You also need to be working with weights/resistance to focus on the upper, lower and core muscle groups. If you google weight exercises for any body part, you'll be astounded at the number of things you'll find....more than you could do in a lifetime.

Jean

I walk and rest....walk and rest.....walk and rest! I've lost 15 lbs. so far.

i walk 1 to 2 miles with my dog. when i first started walking i would have trouble breathing my doctor told me to take two shots of my inhaler before going and it started working and i just started walking farther

Exercise is walking around the house or a fast trip to the grocery. Exercise is making small meals for us. Exercise is doing the wash. I used to walk my dog but cannot do that any more which has caused both of us to gain weight. Exercise is taking a shower major effort. I believe the trick is to keep moving. Those rare days when you feel great go for a walk, drive to a park. Take the dog to the dog park.

Jean, I printed out your advice and it hangs on my Frig. I read it each time I walk in the house. I look at it each time I walk by it. What you said encourages me!!! Thank you Jean!!!!!