The idea that you can't exercise when you have asthma is old-fashioned. You can exercise if you have asthma – as a matter of fact, many doctors advocate exercising for the asthmatic because of the multitude of benefits. The more fit you are, the less hard your heart and lungs have to work.

Taking your medication on a regular basis will enable you to exercise without adverse effects. Use a bronchodilator before you begin exercising. This will help the air get to your lungs. You should use one of these medications: Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin); Pirbuterol (Maxair); or Ipratropium (Atrovent). You may also be taking a daily inhaled corticosteroid such as Budesonide (Pulmicort); Triamcinolone (Azmacort); Fluticasone (Flovent); Fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair); Flunisolide (Aerobid); Montelukast (Singulair); or Zafirlukast (Accolate).

Don't exercise if you have a cold or any other viral respiratory illness.

Consider swimming indoors instead of exercising outdoors when the weather is cold, as you may trigger an attack if you exercise outdoors.

Always warm up for five to ten minutes before beginning your exercise.

Strenuous exercise may trigger an attack, so thing about doing exercise such as walking or playing gold.

If you begin having symptoms while you are exercising, use your bronchodilator twice. Don't keep exercising if your symptoms worsen.

Your heart and lung function may well improve by exercising regularly. Be sure to check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

By Ellie Kuykendall