What are other options besides Pulmonary Rehab?
This article was reviewed by Senior Director of Community Engagement and COPD360social Community Manager, Bill Clark, as well as certified staff Respiratory Therapists on January 31, 2020.
Dear COPD Coach,
What can I do if I can’t afford Pulmonary Rehabilitation? What are my options?
–Exercise Options
Hi Exercise,
Many people in our community face that same obstacle, and there are some alternatives available to you! While going to a Pulmonary Rehabilitation program is by far the best alternative, you can always exercise from home whether you are chair-bound or able to walk about.
First , it is very important that you check with your doctor and get an official OK for exercise. If you do, a great place to start is with the COPD Foundation’s PCG (Pocket Consultant Guide) App available through your app store. It is a free tool that has a section containing exercise videos that are geared toward those living with COPD. Another resource you might consider is the Sit and Be Fit program which is also specifically designed for COPD.
Walking is one of the best exercises you can do. It’s easiest if you have a good, safe path for walking or, if weather is a problem, a good indoor location. Shopping malls often have regular walking clubs to help folks get exercise and enjoy being with others. If it is OK with your doctor and if they have given you instruction, you might obtain a pulse oximeter so that you keep track of your oxygen saturation when walking about. It may seem easy to use a pulse oximeter, but you must understand how to interpret the numbers in order to exert yourself safely!
Many senior centers have regular exercise programs you can join for free or at a small charge. Perhaps your library has DVDs of chair exercises or strength training for seniors.
In addition to exercise, the educational portion of Pulmonary Rehabilitation involves such things as learning to breathe correctly, how to take your medications, healthy eating for COPD, managing depression and tips for daily living and understanding your COPD. Most of this material is also readily available on the internet.
"If you don’t use it, you do lose it" so it is important to get a routine set up—and maintain it. You can also join 360social to find others who are in a similar situation and are incorporating exercise into their lives.
Another tidbit: many Pulmonary Rehabs have scholarship programs. It would definitely be worth your time to call around and see if any are offered in your area. We hope these suggestions will be helpful to you and good luck with your self-managed program!
Thanks for writing,
The COPD Coach
Coaches Corner is aimed at providing information for individuals with COPD to take to your doctor, and is not in any way intended to be medical advice. If you would like to submit a question to the Coaches Corner email us at coachescorner@copdfoundation.org. We would love to hear your questions and comments. You can address your emails to The COPD Coach.