Exercise -

This would be discouraging for you without question. Here is some things to keep in mind.

Remember that some days are better than others. We know this to be so. Even to do a bit more on some times than others, makes us feel encouraged and more successful. But on those days, when we are feeling less strength, more fatigue and just 'off', it is very easy to fall into feeling discouragement and worry.

Now,also keep this other important point in mind. We find also, if someone is described as being 'deconditioned' it would describe a person who is not used to having much activity or much exercise.  And the less exercise the human body gets, the more 'deconditioned' or out of shape we are...we lose muscle much faster than we realize when we are not exercising.

And when our bodies have more muscle, we use less oxygen and have an easier time to breathe, as well as more strength and more energy.

Poor dear.

Do not feel discouraged.  I think 20minutes on a treadmill is quite a long effort. Perhaps a bit too long if you are just getting into more activity. You are not used to it.

What I would do, (and have done) is to start out more easily. Perhaps do five or ten minutes, simply walking slowly, on the flat with your treadmill. Start once a day for  week or two and then increase to do it twice a day, for five or ten minutes the next week.

By taking less time and less effort is helpful.

then by starting by one time a day

then increase to twice a day, you will end up having the 20 minutes, but in a much more manageable manner with breaking it up into two sesssions....You gain the same benefits as doing 20 minutes all at once, but instead twice daily for shorter periods.

You could also do some sitting exercise as well, perhaps while watching televsion...leg exercises, stretch band exercise etc. Again do so slowly to your tolerance to begin and for very short period.

It is a slow process, but important to build tolerance and strength slowly, but steadily.

You will do it !  And remember some days are better than others, do not be too hard on yourself!

Lill

When you can do 3 mins comfortable, do 10 paces at your normal pace, pick up the pace for 3 paces, back to normal pace for 10 paces, then increase  4 paces more brisk etc.  After a week try 10 paces normal 7 brisk etc etc.  Your can do this inside even without a treadmill, the treadmill allows you to train and chosen speed, so if that's what you are using increase the speed for the 5 paces and alternate that way.

20 mins to start on the treadmill when already out of condition is not a good way to build your fitness or stamina.  It actually surprised me you could manage 20 mins initially any way.  But of course you would have to walk if you want to go shopping ever again, visit the doc etc.

From small beginnings and persistence you will eventually be able to do 20 mins comfortably, so what if its tiring, you can rest afterward, but you need to keep this going day after day and why not try an am session and a pm session with rests in between.  

Good luck but if you really want to improve its all in your own hands (or feet)

Movement is life.  As long as you have no heart problems, Yes try it again, but when you are in a weakened state, try just five or ten minutes at a time.  Every little bit counts and for me, even though I know that my severe lung condition will not get any better, I believe that pushing myself, as I can, makes me feel better in the end,  Even my moods.  But I understand that it is very difficult.  There will be ups and downs.  Please consider trying not to compare to how you did at another time.  COPD changes all the time.  So, it is well for you to celebrate that 20 minutes and try not to despair.  

Hugs

Dawn, USA

I think I would not be able to do treadmill.....that is pretty strenuous.  My husband and I walk 2 to 3 miles around our local indoor shopping mall (if he is elsewhere, I have a friend walk with me OR I walk alone.  Just going at a steady pace and not pushing myself.  I feel a LOT better overall by simply walking and I notice a difference in how I feel if for some reason I skip a day or two.  Don't beat yourself up about the treadmill.  Just try walking.