starting out--need advice

[schpudmon]

I've got asthma, and recently I was thinking about running on a treadmill I have at home to build up my aerobic fitness and all that.
I was just wondering if anyone could tell me or point me towards a good guideline for starting out and progressing through my fitness routine, i.e., what kind of pace I should start out with, how long I should run at that pace, what time and/or pace intervals i should increase by; proper stretch, warm-up, and cool-down routines and all that. Also, what time of the day is best to exercise and how many times a week i should do it, etc. Maybe I'm making this whole put-one-foot-in-front-of-the-other thing a little too complicated, but I like to know I'm doing things the right way.
Weight loss isn't the issue; I'm skinny enough as it is. I just want to build up some wind so I don't gasp for breath as much when I'm playing basketball with the guys, don't have to breathe so hard after so much as a briefly sustained brisk walk, sleep better, all those benefits of aerobic exercise.

Thanks

 

[Leandros]

I'm scared to give you advice because i don't want to complicate your asthma. I am also not qualified to give expert advice. Do yourself a favor though and consult an expert on this, i'm not sure who you could talk to.

 

[Bix]

Hi there Schpudmon,

I might be able to help you with your question, as I am an asthmatic myself but I may be different from you and therefore, it might not work for you.

I am 21, male and active in rugby and football (soccer), 5"10 and weigh 150lbs. I used to have medium level asthma and it has now reduced to a mild one, which I only use my inhaler only when I needed to.

I would suggest running for 30 minutes a day would help to reduce the asthma. Then you would of course do all the stretchings, which makes it all feel good. As for the pace, I would try to jog in the beginning and run at most. If you have a problem, your Ventolin Inhaler is always with you.

Running, stretching and doing weights consistently are good for the body and reduces the asthma.

Take care and hope it works.