When you become more active, it’s normal to breathe more deeply and more often. This is a healthy response, your body needs to breathe harder to support movement. However, if you’re already feeling short of breath, this can feel worrying or even frightening. That’s completely understandable.
Focus on the out breath, it will help you blow away the waste products
Energetic movement doesn’t have to mean doing exercise or anything strenuous, it simply means moving your body a bit more than usual. This type of movement will help get your breathing muscles stronger which will make you feel more comfortable all of the time.
Strength movement helps build and maintain the muscles your body needs to stay active, steady, and independent. It can make everyday tasks, like shopping, housework, or gardening, feel easier and more manageable over time. Strength exercise also helps get your breathing muscles stronger which will make you feel more comfortable all of the time.
You don’t need to stand or lift heavy weights to build your strength
Balance movements help you stay steady on your feet and reduce the risk of tripping or falling. The good news is that balance can often improve quickly with a bit of regular practice.
Yes, you may feel more breathless when you start moving more, but this type of breathlessness is not harmful. In fact, it’s a normal response as your body works harder and becomes stronger. Over time, this will help your breathing become more efficient.
Breathlessness can feel frightening, especially if you’re not used to it. If you do feel overwhelmed:
Watch the slideshow at the top of this page to understand how breathlessness during activity can actually be a sign of progress.
When to seek medical advice – contact a healthcare professional if you experience:
You’re not alone, there’s plenty of support available to help you move more, safely and confidently.
Yes, you can still be active while using oxygen. Many people safely increase their activity levels with oxygen in place.
You may need some guidance from your healthcare team to make sure you’re doing it safely. Even small increases in movement can help improve your strength, boost your confidence, and support your independence.
Any amount of activity is a step in the right direction, and it can make a real difference to your quality of life.
If you’re feeling more unwell than normal, such as during a flare-up (exacerbation) or if you have a fever, it’s best to rest and avoid physical activity.
Give your body time to recover, and follow your treatment plan. If you’re unsure or your symptoms get worse, speak to your healthcare team for advice.
If your symptoms get worse in the first few weeks of becoming more active, speak to your medical team. They can help check what’s going on and make sure you’re moving safely.
It’s normal to feel some changes as your body adjusts, but your healthcare team is there to support you if anything feels worrying or unusual.
If you’re currently experiencing chest pain, and you haven’t already discussed this with your medical team, it’s important to pause and speak to your medical team before starting any new physical activity.
Chest pain can be a sign that your heart or lungs need medical attention, so it’s always better to be cautious. Once your healthcare team has assessed you, they can help guide you on the safest way to stay active.
Even if you’re feeling unwell, have ongoing symptoms, or your condition has progressed, gentle movement can still bring meaningful benefits.
Physical activity doesn’t always mean doing it yourself. For example, a caregiver can help you move your limbs, or you might use aids like a TENS machine to support circulation and muscle function.
You may need to adapt how you move depending on how you’re feeling. Simple actions, like sitting on the edge of the bed, gently moving your arms, or squeezing a soft ball, can help maintain strength and comfort. Even standing up during a TV advert can make a positive difference.
Every little bit counts. Listen to your body, go at your own pace, and ask your healthcare team for advice if you’re unsure what’s right for you.
It’s important to listen to your body. If you begin to feel dizzy, unwell, or extremely tired while being active, stop and rest. Wait until the symptoms have settled before doing more.
There are some warning signs you should never ignore. Stop immediately and seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
• Chest pain
• Blacking out or fainting
• Severe or unusual shortness of breath
If you’re unsure, take a break and speak to a healthcare professional. You can also find more detailed safety advice on the page for your specific condition or symptoms.
Remember: Start at a comfortable level and build gradually.
It’s natural to worry that being more active might make your symptoms worse. Some people do notice that their symptoms feel more noticeable at first. This is often simply your body adjusting to the new activity. It’s a normal part of the process, and these feelings usually settle with time as your strength and confidence grow.
You can find specific safety information on the relevant symptoms and conditions pages.
And remember the golden rule: start at a comfortable level and build gradually. Doing a little, regularly, is far better than doing too much all at once.
If you’re unsure or have concerns, speak with your healthcare team for guidance.
Increasing your activity, even just a little, is not only safe, but good for your health. Gentle movement can help improve your strength, energy, and confidence.
If you’re feeling unsure about your particular circumstances, you can always speak with your doctor or healthcare team first. They can help guide you on what’s safe and right for you.
You can also check the safety information on the Conditions page for advice tailored to your situation.
It’s completely natural to feel concerned especially if you’re just starting to become more active. But the risk of something serious, like a heart attack, happening during gentle or moderate activity is very low.
In fact, regular movement is one of the best things you can do for your heart and overall health. The key is to start at a comfortable level and build gradually, there’s no need to rush or push too hard.
If you’re ever unsure or anxious, speak with your doctor or healthcare team for reassurance and support. You don’t have to do this alone.
It’s still quite common for gyms to ask for a medical clearance letter, especially for people with certain health conditions or who haven’t been active for a while. This is usually a precaution.
For most people, medical clearance isn’t needed to begin gentle or moderate physical activity, especially if you start from your current level and build up gradually. You don’t need to jump into intense workouts right away to feel the benefits.
If you’re unsure or have specific health concerns, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor or healthcare team. They can help guide you safely and confidently toward becoming more active.
Being more active can help with weight management, but exercise alone may not lead to weight loss, especially if your diet stays the same. However, even if your weight doesn’t change, moving more has many proven benefits for your overall health.
Regular physical activity can:
• Improve your heart and lung function
• Boost your mood and energy
• Reduce your risk of serious conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease
• Help maintain your mobility and independence
There are some great, free, resources available created by people who understand what it is like to live with COPD and shortness of breath. You can also always ask for help from your medical team.
Asthma + Lung UK funds vital research, provides expert advice, and campaigns for cleaner air and better support for the millions of people living with lung conditions. By 2027 they aim to reduce deaths and ill-health caused by lung conditions by 20%.
Supports people with breathing difficulties through equipment loans, information, and advocacy. It helps patients and families manage respiratory conditions and improve comfort and quality of life.
The UK National Health Service (NHS) provide resources to support you to move more
Nuffield Health have created a unique tailored movement programme designed to help people living with one or more long-term conditions who are suffering from the following symptoms - chronic pain, long-term fatigue and / or breathlessness.
This site has been put together by specialists in exercise medicine and supported and funded by Nuffield Health Charity. In collaboration with academic experts, specialists in behavioural change, medics across a wide spectrum of specialties, physiotherapists, nurses and most importantly, people living with the symptoms of long term conditions. Through our rigorous academic process we have carefully ensured that all the information on this website is trustworthy and evidence based.
The following organisations have contributed to and endorsed the content of this website.
