When the attack comes, you know you're in trouble. You can feel the constriction in your chest as you struggle to catch your every breath. Sometimes, just a minor change in the weather can trigger an attack. At other times, just increasing your level of activity causes the wheezing to commence. However, in what turns out to be an irony of ironies, exercise can significantly reduce the symptoms experienced by an asthma sufferer. By strengthening the respiratory muscles, increasing lung capacity and improving your body's ability to utilize oxygen, you decrease the sensitivity of your airways and hence, the frequency of asthma episodes. With constant workouts, you don't get as many exercise-induced asthma attacks. Eventually, you will also reduce your dependency on asthma medication.

Thus, anyone with this condition should include a regular workout regimen. Unlike those who are physically fit, however, exercising with asthma requires following certain guidelines to avoid exercise-induced asthma attacks. By following these safety measures, you should be able to carry on a workout program to stay fit, strong and asthma-free.

The first thing that you should remember is that any workout for those with asthma is pretty much the same as that for any other person. However, instead of exercising for long periods of time continuously, you need to focus on training at lower intensity combined with shorter bursts of exercise so you don't have to stress your lungs out too much and trigger an attack. For example, if you're doing an aerobic workout, strive for only a 15 to 20 minute session of comfortable pacing with a few short bursts of high intensity in between.

The location of your exercise matters as well. It is generally recommended that those exercising with asthma do their workouts on water as this prevents their lungs from drying out. The swimming pool is a dust-free environment that is also an essential requirement for any successful workout for those with this condition. This is the reason why swimming is the most beneficial exercise for those with asthma. Aside from the fact that it strengthens the lungs and heart, the position assumed helps clear mucus from the airways. Jogging, cycling and walking are also great exercise alternatives, however, these will have to be done in clean and pollen and dust-free surroundings.

You must always have your inhaler with you during your workout session for obvious reasons. Your dependence on it will continue to grow less and less as you gain strength and endurance, but still, this is always a prudent precautionary measure to take. Incidentally, bringing your inhaler with you is always sensible whether you're exercising or not.

Do a thorough 10 minute warm-up before every workout session and never forget to cool down to avoid a narrowing of the arteries which can happen if you abruptly stop a session.

Finally, make your workouts fun and relaxing. Any asthma sufferer knows that stress can precipitate an attack, so it makes sense to ensure that you are not under any form of stress as you do your workouts.

A regular exercise program is necessary and beneficial for individuals with this condition. Just make sure that you follow common sense so you stay safe while exercising with asthma.