Exercising with PH: A partnership approach

JULIE: “After each gym visit I feel rejuvenated”

“Stephen has always encouraged me to exercise, and his enthusiasm is extremely motivating. He helps me with everyday life, and I totally trust him to guide me through exercise.  I’m not a natural exerciser like Stephen but I recognise the value that it adds to my life.

Stephen suggested that I join the gym and take a steady approach, following advice from my specialist centre and the cardiologist I see at my local hospital.

Walking through the gym door for the first time was concerning me, but I needn’t have worried as we were given a warm welcome by Sam on reception. We were shown around the gym and facilities, and I felt at ease immediately.

The gym we chose caters for health referrals and the disabled facilities there are excellent. My GP arranged a health referral for me which gave me three months for free to try the gym before deciding to join. 

I booked an induction course with a personal trainer, Karen, after encouragement from Stephen. I discussed with her my health issues and breathlessness, and Karen showed me exercises specific to what I could manage, as well as how to correctly use the equipment. 

On my first visit I only managed ten minutes very slow walking on the treadmill, and I was disappointed. However, Stephen encouraged me, reminding me it was more than I achieved during an outing the previous week. That’s what I decided to focus on. I had two options – give it up or carry on, and I knew I could do better. I hadn’t experienced extreme breathlessness or pain, and I knew I must persevere.

My first treadmill times were only ten minutes but then I built up the time and speed gradually. I now manage a slow walk for 30 minutes on the treadmill twice a week, some arm and leg exercises on the machines with either no weight or a low weight, and my favourite – a chair-based exercise class.

My gym visits have greatly improved my mobility, confidence, mental attitude and positivity.

Most people in the chair-based exercise class are attending following a health referral. The class leader guides us through some yoga breathing exercises, strength exercises (sometimes with a band or a ball), and a few minutes of cardio.

We do sit-to-stand exercises, which have greatly helped me to stand up from the sofa at home without having to push myself up, and lastly – but most importantly – the warm up and cool down exercises.

I started the class approximately five months ago and including the two other gym visits, that makes it three times exercising each week. If I’m tired or fatigued I do pass on my usual day for treadmill exercise – after all, I’m not in a race.

I have noticed that there are varying levels of fitness in the gym, but everyone has a common goal to improve their fitness. There are people with oxygen both in my class and in the gym.

I am in awe of a man who walks with oxygen for 50 minutes, four times a week, and we always have a Friday morning chat whilst walking side by side. 

After each visit I feel rejuvenated after a well-earned shower followed by a coffee. I know I still need to get fitter and lose some weight, and I am trying to achieve this, but I am realistic with my targets.

I love a walk on the flat in the fresh air listening to the birds, but I know that if it’s too hot or cold, I can still go the gym and use the treadmill. I would encourage everyone to just at least try it; there’s nothing to lose.”

STEPHEN: “The gym has put a big smile on her face”

“I am not a trained professional, but I am enthusiastic about everything fitness. My wife Julie was diagnosed with PH in April 2020. The diagnosis had a profound impact both physically and mentally. Julie’s confidence was impacted by the news as she was already living with sarcoidosis of the lungs.

After consulting her specialist centre, Julie was encouraged to carry on her exercise.

Originally, we found some flattish walks, but living in the Peak District this wasn’t always easy! There were issues with the weather too – sometimes too hot, sometimes too cold, or sometimes simply wet and miserable.

Not deterred, I suggested joining a gym. We investigated and found a local council run gym ten minutes away from us. We were greeted by Sam who quickly established our fitness requirements. Sam recommended Julie speak to her GP and request a health referral which would give her 12 weeks free gym membership before deciding to join.

Although she was apprehensive, I insisted Julie had an induction session with a personal trainer. This proved very successful as Karen explained all the gym equipment and their correct use in detail. Karen was her first friendly face.

Fast forward to today and Julie is now enjoying walking on the treadmill, using light weights and attending a chair-based exercise class. It has been a pleasure watching Julie’s newfound confidence grow, and the importance of interacting with others in the class.

Originally Julie struggled to walk for ten minutes very slowly on the treadmill. However, I pointed out that was ten minutes more than last week, and now Julie has gradually built up to 30 minutes. The gym has put a big smile back on her face.

Going to the gym has increased Julie’s confidence, mobility, posture and mental wellbeing. Additionally, it has motivated and encouraged me to get back to the gym and improve my overall fitness too. We enjoy exercising together.

I’ve learned a lot from supporting Julie to benefit from exercising at the gym. Here is my advice on getting started and making it work for you:  

• Before undertaking any exercise consult your specialist PH nurse or GP.
• Where possible, find a gym within 20 minutes travelling time.
• Contact your GP to discuss a health referral and whether they have any information of participating gyms.
• Local council gyms usually offer rehabilitation classes and health referrals (with a free period offer or reduced membership).
• Wearing clothes that wick away sweat is more comfortable than wet cold cotton.
• Sport shops will advise on correct footwear and clothing. Some outdoor shops are also very knowledgeable.
• Sign up to a class to interact with others and make friends.
• There’s no need to feel wary or uncomfortable. Only you know it’s your first visit – everyone else is busy working on their own fitness!
• When you have exercised, enjoy a well-deserved coffee break with friends in the gym’s café.
• Enjoy the benefits of exercise, interacting with others, and making new friends!

My tip: Smartwatches are a great way of tracking steps, distance, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, stress monitoring, calories burned and sleep patterns. Apple, Fitbit, Garmin, Samsung and more offer an array of features. Most users just want a watch that looks good and provides the specific information personal to their health requirements.”

Feeling inspired?

You’ll find expert advice, information, videos, and real-life experiences of exercising with PH here.

Always speak to your specialist PH team before embarking on a new exercise routine