If you have asthma, it might make you think that you can’t exercise or push your cardio to the point of heavy breathing. Luckily, that’s not true. With the right information and medication, people with asthma can (and should) be just as active as anyone else.

Symptoms of Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the lung’s airways, and when it flares, it can become difficult to breathe.

Asthma symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in your chest
• Wheezing and/or coughing
• A feeling that you can't continue your current activity

Listen to Your Body’s Triggers

The key to successfully exercising with asthma is knowing your body—I call it “listening for triggers.” Different people with asthma can have different triggers, but symptoms are commonly brought on by weather (when it’s very hot or very cold), allergens, upper respiratory illnesses, and, yes, exercise. You may have to endure a period of trial and error—noting what makes your symptoms worse—before you and your doctor can determine a safe plan for your fitness routine. But, remember, it can be done.

If you experience asthma symptoms while exercising, you need to do these 4 things:

1. STOP what you’re doing.
2. USE your rescue inhaler.
3. REST until you feel better.
4. DISCONTINUE the activity that caused these symptoms for the rest of the day.