New to The Step program....but have asthma

Jeanne610

New Member
Hey Cathe,

I'm new to your The Step program with the DVD that came with it. I was just wondering how I can moderate myself to lose weight (my goal is 100 lbs, ultimately) but not press myself so hard that my asthma goes absolutely ballastic! I know that you're going to say, make sure my Dr approves, and he's all about me losing weight. But I just dont want to over-do it. And I really can *not* afford a gym right now. What do you think???:D
 
Hi Jeanne610 - Not Cathe here, but first of all, Welcome! :) I too have asthma so thought I would respond. I often just use my inhaler prior to exercising anyway to open things up. Some days, I just cannot make it through the DVDs, and some days are fine. If you have good days and bad days too, then don't push yourself if your breathing is bad, and on the days when you have some decent lung capacity, go for it! If I can't do the step, I ride my bike or walk, and kickboxing DVDs don't seem to bother me as much as step either. You can try some challenging Pilates or Yoga DVDs - those are nice for bad days too. Finally, be sure you are doing weights. While you may huff and puff still, it isn't too strenuous as long as you pick moderate DVDs to follow, and you will be building muscle which helps burn calories by revving up your metabolism. Believe me, I know it is a bummer to not be able to breathe. Just eat well, and always do something. I believe that my asthma is actually getting a little better - sort of like training my lungs too. Good luck.
 
Hey Jeanne610,im obviously not Cathe :) but i have Asmtha and ive lost alot of weight so i thought i would chim in here if you don't mind:)

When i first started with Cathe's workouts,like basic step and body fusion, i had to take it SLOWLY! Like 10-15minutes at a time because my lungs just couldn't keep up with my body(if that makes sense;-)) and because i was heavier, i just didn't want to over do it! Over time and as my weight dropped i was able to slowly do the whole workout and my lungs could handle it:)

I also found a good asmtha control inhaler...Advair...that i take daily!

Good Luck to you:)
 
Are you on a preventative? Between the preventative and taking a pre exercise puff of Albuterol, I've never had an exercise induced attack.

As the weight comes off your endurance should rise.
 
Kicking boxing is a GREAT idea, and I always liked to do it. You're right, some days are good, and some days are bad with the asthma. Yesterday, I went up on the step, an extra level, doing the same basic workout that I have been, and I had to stop and take a break, taking my inhaler, etc. I think I'll be taking the baby out in the stroller a lot in the mornings, when weather permits too. just to get some walking in, at least. Thank you for responding!! Good luck to you too. Stay healthy!:D :7
 
Hey Punka274

Thank you for responding!! I know what you mean about taking it slowly at first. The first ...hmmm, like week and a half, I had to stop in the middle and take my inhalers, etc, and then it got easier. I havent lost a lot of weight yet, I think 3 lbs, in the last 6 weeks. So I'm really kind of discouraged. I get so angry at myself because I sometimes break down, and order a small milkshake from BK or something, you know? I use Azmacort, and albuterol to control my asthma, and yesterday had to stop and use my albuterol because I decided I was 'ready' to add height to my step. yeahhhhhh I think I have to take it slow on this part again. I think I'm going to try kick boxing too. It's fun, and doesnt seem to put too much stress on me, the few times I did it in the past. Thank you!! And Good luck!
 
>Hey Punka274
>
>Thank you for responding!! I know what you mean about taking
>it slowly at first. The first ...hmmm, like week and a half,
>I had to stop in the middle and take my inhalers, etc, and
>then it got easier. I havent lost a lot of weight yet, I
>think 3 lbs, in the last 6 weeks. So I'm really kind of
>discouraged. I get so angry at myself because I sometimes
>break down, and order a small milkshake from BK or something,
>you know? I use Azmacort, and albuterol to control my asthma,
>and yesterday had to stop and use my albuterol because I
>decided I was 'ready' to add height to my step. yeahhhhhh I
>think I have to take it slow on this part again. I think I'm
>going to try kick boxing too. It's fun, and doesnt seem to
>put too much stress on me, the few times I did it in the past.
> Thank you!! And Good luck!


Oh My Gosh do i know what you mean about the burger king shakes!! I still do that,LOL! My weakness is fast food periodx(! Im also struggling right now so i know what your going through,its tuff to go from eating what you want to eating healthy and working out! Ive gotten the working out down its just the eating that is tough for mex(! I keep thinking about the old saying " You can workout till the cows come home but if you don't eat right,it doesn't matter"

yep,it think of that saying as i stick a french fry in my mouth:p ;) !

Good luck to you agian,and keep us posted about your success:)!
 
Ditto to everything said earlier! One other suggestion - my doc suggested taking the albuterol inhaler about 20min before WO regardless of whether I felt like I "needed" it or not. Works great and I get get thru the whole WO (usually).
 
I am new too . I also have asthema.my asthema is fairly good. what i do is take my albutural before . iwork out during the breaks . i turn the fan on . i try to keep up the best i can . so far ive lost 6 lbs. ive only been doing it for 6 weeks. and driking green tea . the mega green tea mix . it taste like koolade withno sugar . you canget ti from cvs. well imean thats where i got it from. i was 198 now im 192. the step program is fun once you get the hang of it. please . take my response. with kindness. [email protected]
 
Hello MarieA

I've been taking my inhaler before I work out lately, and it seems to help so much. My weight loss is slow, but I think its because I just have trouble cutting out all the 'bad' stuff. I just recently decided to cut out the soda pop from my daily intake. I think that will help a lot :) Good job on the weight loss, 6lbs is great!

Have a good day:)
 
Hi Jeanne,
I have asthma too and it sometimes interferes with my workouts. I use an preventative inhaler and albuterol. I will use my albuterol before working out and this has worked really well for me. My Dr advised me to do this. Also after beginning and excercise program, and sticking with it, my asthma has actually gotten better. I don't have nearly as many attacks as I used to. Hope this helps.

Pam
 

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