Fellow asthmatic weighing in here. Isn't exercise-induced asthma a pain in the chest?

When I was a kid, and went to "asthma class" every week, we always did stretching exercises (non-wheeze-inducing) - they'd probably label it yoga nowadays - and then had a session in the pool.

Now that I am an adult, I have a stationary bike. The key to it was not trying to do too much too soon (which of course I always tried, got frustrated, and gave up). I like the bike because I also have balance issues, and having handlebars is key for me! And the stationary bike is also good because it doesn't matter what the weather is like outside, or which plants I'm incredibly allergic to are blossoming, because I am inside.

Choose something - walking, biking, swimming, whatever, then go about it like this:

Step 1: Use your (albuterol) inhaler. Wait a minute, then do your chosen activity for five minutes. JUST five minutes. Huff, puff, sit and cool down.

"I'll never make any progress at 5 minutes per session!" you say.

But that's not the point. Do just five minutes at a stretch until you are able to do so with no huffing and puffing. Then up it to ten minutes per session, or even 7 minutes if ten is unbearable. Keep it up, stepping up your time gradually, and soon you'll be able to do long-enough session at a time, without even needing the inhaler at the start!

As my doctor explained, "You're not just asthmatic, you're out of shape respitorily speaking. Take it gradually, force yourself to, and you'll be able to stick with it."

I was amazed, but it works, honest!

Not that I "enjoy" exercising, or ever will, probably, but my iPod is distracting enough to get me through it. And I am determined.