It’s exciting that warmer weather is on its way all around the country. Cabin fever may have set in this winter, but now we can get out and feel more energized and alive in the fresh air and sunshine. Many people enjoy working out and getting physical activity in the outdoors, and can’t stand trying to exercise inside on a treadmill or stationary bike. If you have COPD, it really is in your best interest to some exercise either way, and you can start today with your outdoor routine.
First, you need to check with your doctor before you start doing anything fitness-wise that you haven’t done before. He or she will give you the go ahead as long as you can physically handle it, and will most likely give you some advice based on your individual condition and needs. Many patients with COPD are benefited by being outside as long as there isn’t a lot of pollution, and if you can get some light exercise.
Check the Weather First!
You don’t want to be riding your biking down the road, and have it start raining on your concentrator! Spring is very rainy, and being just like any other electronic, water is not good for a portable oxygen concentrator. Even while protected inside of a carry backpack, some water might be able to get inside the intake vent, which would become dangerous or cause the concentrator to stop working.
You will also need to consider the temperature. Many portable oxygen concentrators have a minimum operational temperature of around 40 or 50. Check the specifications on your model, as not all of them are the same, and refrain from leaving the house to exercise if the temperature is below the minimum operational temperature. Usually spring doesn’t get very hot in most parts of the country, so you don’t really need to worry about it being hotter than the maximum operational temperature, which could be as much as 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pace Yourself
You should never push yourself when you first start a new routine. Go slow on your bike, and just go one time around the block the first few times. If you live on a country road, going around the block might be too much, in which case you should just try to get to the end of your road and head back.
Pay attention to how you feel. If you feel the least bit light headed or if you get a pain anywhere, stop and rest, or turn back home. Bring plenty of water with you in a water bottle. Staying hydrated is extemely important, whether you have a health condition or not.
Getting exercise outside should be pleasurable and not feel like a chore, so take your time and make sure you are enjoying being out in the sunshine and the fresh spring time breeze. Outdoor physical activity should be a fun experience, and is good for your mental health as well as your physical health.
Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more.
Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
