Staying fit with health problems?

[Anonymous]

I have two major issues that prevent me to do much workout: weak lungs and back pain. My back is usually fine unless I do repetitive movements or stay bent over for a while, and my lungs, well, they just can't get enough air when I'm not even doing anything, so working out would be terrible.

What kind of activities (besides sex, which I'm fine losing my breath for) could I do to stay in shape? I'm mostly worried about my belly and seemingly developing muffin top.

[ImaginaryReality]

Do you know exactly why your lungs are weak? It may not be the lungs themselves.

Long story short, I saw a physical therapist in January to help me recover from a meniscectomy (knee surgery on my meniscus). While she was evaluating my recovery progress, she noticed I breathed abnormally: lifting upwards instead of pushing outwards. She said that, over the years, my ribs had positioned incorrectly due to a lot of sitting and slouching -- but I could do exercises to correct my ribs' positioning. Well, several months later, I can tell you in all honesty, it worked! I breathe a lot easier and with less effort. Another nice benefit is I fit into shirts noticeably better, even though I haven't lost weight -- it's just that my chest doesn't point out as much anymore! Of course, you're a female, so you may have something else causing that last problem anyway! ;-)

Hope that helps! Also, I lol'd at "besides sex, which I'm fine losing my breath for." :-)

[Asker]

I don't really know. Doctors can't figure it out and I don't have the time or money to investigate it. It started 2 years ago on Easter when I thought I got smoke intoxication from the barbecue, since it was on for about 6 hours in my yard, but apparently the symptoms don't match, so I don't know. I'm gonna try a physical therapist when I get some money. Hopefully I'll find an end to this.

[Konnour]

You should definitely see your doctor about lungs. Are you smoking or used to smoke?

Cycling is the exercise for you, as you can adjust intensity as you please and the risk of any kind of injury is minimal.. unless you bump into a car or something. Not to mention it's actually fun unlike most of tedious and repetitive exercises.

Swimming also is good, non-boring exercise option as the other guy mentioned but it's very breath-intensive so if you have problems I doubt you could handle it.

If you worry about belly a proper diet is your best option. Even slim people might have extra belly fat as that's the last place from where the fat is burned, so cut the sweets and snacks to minimum. And avoid alcohol - even a pure grease wouldn't add that much extra fat to your belly as alcoholic beverages do.

[Asker]

No, I've never smoked. I haven't found out what's wrong with my lungs yet, it started about 2 years ago and has episodes, so when I go to the doctor they say I'm fine because they don't see them acting up. I haven't been under water since it started but considering there's a different pressure I'd probably feel like suffocating. Cycling sounds good though, I should invest in a bike! And I actually am slim, I just wanna avoid being slim with muffin top, which is on its way ;P

[Anonymous]

Is the lung condition JUST your lungs, or do you ever feel like your heart is affected by it too?

[Cobalt]

Swim, it'll help your lung capacity provided you have no underlying problem. When that develops, then branch out. Alternatively you could power walk or jog as much as your back allows. Do some core work on the side, it may help stabilize your back and reduce pain.

[brettb]

I agree with Cobalt, do swimming. It will help expand your lungs naturally and is a great excersise for everything on your body. Go out for some naturre walks. make sure you keep good posture when walking though and try to go up some hills with a slight incline and down on your walk. That will burn some calories for you. Try to maybe walk a mile at a time and go for a walk 2 times a day. You'll notice your legs getting mroe toned and start to lose some belly fat.

[g3a9j7]

I don't have any physical issues like you described but for times in my life where I just haven't had the time or energy to workout I just cut down on the amount of food l eat most days and that's worked pretty well for me. You just need to have the self control for it.