Asthma and Exercise: How Longevity Exercise Physiology Can Help You Breathe Easier and Live Stronger
Does exercise leave you wheezing, short of breath, or reaching for your inhaler? Have you been holding back from physical activity because of your asthma?
Many people with asthma avoid exercise out of fear that it will trigger their symptoms. But research now tells us the opposite: regular, well managed physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your asthma. Structured exercise improves your cardiorespiratory fitness, reduces symptom severity, and can help you feel more confident and in control of your breathing.
At Longevity Exercise Physiology, we specialise in safe, personalised exercise programs for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions. Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists understand how to design a program that works with your asthma, not against it, so you can move with confidence and build lasting health and longevity.
Understanding Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways that causes episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. These symptoms occur when the airways become narrowed, swollen, and produce excess mucus, often in response to triggers such as allergens, cold air, exercise, or respiratory infections. Asthma varies widely in severity and can affect people of all ages, from young children through to older adults.
Common Asthma Triggers
- Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, mould, and pet dander
- Cold or dry air
- Respiratory infections including colds and flu
- Exercise (particularly in cold, dry conditions without a proper warm up)
- Air pollution and smoke
- Stress and strong emotions
- Certain medications
Asthma in Australia: The Numbers
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), around 2.8 million Australians (11% of the population) are living with asthma, making Australia’s prevalence among the highest in the world. Asthma is the leading cause of disease burden in children aged 1 to 9 years, and in 2024 it accounted for 2.5% of total disease burden nationally. In 2023–24, there were approximately 32,000 hospitalisations where asthma was the primary cause, with 90% of those considered potentially avoidable with better community management. Asthma cost the Australian health system an estimated $1.3 billion in 2023–24.
If asthma has been holding you back from being active, keep reading to learn how the right exercise program can help you breathe easier and feel stronger!
Benefits of Exercise for Asthma
While exercise can sometimes trigger asthma symptoms in the short term (known as exercise induced bronchoconstriction), the long term benefits of regular physical activity for people with asthma are well established. A 2025 umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta analyses covering 162 studies found that exercise improves quality of life, exercise tolerance, and lung function in people with asthma. A separate systematic review of 39 studies involving over 2,100 adults with asthma confirmed that supervised, moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise significantly improves cardiorespiratory fitness and functional capacity.
Here’s how exercise helps with asthma:
- Improves cardiorespiratory fitness, helping your body use oxygen more efficiently
- Reduces the severity and frequency of asthma symptoms over time
- Improves exercise tolerance, so physical activity becomes easier and less triggering
- Strengthens the muscles involved in breathing
- Supports a healthy weight, as excess weight can worsen asthma symptoms
- Reduces airway inflammation through regular aerobic conditioning
- Improves mental health, sleep quality, and overall quality of life
- Builds confidence to participate in physical activities you may have been avoiding
How Longevity Exercise Physiology Can Help
At Longevity Exercise Physiology, our Accredited Exercise Physiologists understand the unique considerations involved in exercising with asthma. We take the time to understand your triggers, medications, and current fitness level so we can design a program that is safe, effective, and progressed at a pace that feels right for you.
Our asthma exercise programs may include:
- Aerobic conditioning with appropriate warm up and cool down to minimise symptom triggers
- Breathing technique education, including nasal breathing and paced breathing strategies
- Resistance training to build overall strength and support respiratory muscle function
- Graduated exercise progression, building fitness gradually over time
- Education on recognising warning signs and managing symptoms during activity
Flexible session options:
- Gym based 1:1 supervised sessions
- Outdoor exercise sessions (with attention to weather and air quality conditions)
- Home visits
- Telehealth consultations
What sets Longevity apart is our individualised, 1:1 supervised approach. Our exercise physiologists work alongside your GP or respiratory specialist to ensure a coordinated, clinically safe program. We help you build fitness gradually, learn to manage your symptoms during activity, and develop the confidence to stay active for the long term.
Longevity Exercise Physiology has helped hundreds of clients across Australia with asthma and other respiratory conditions improve their fitness, reduce their symptoms, and enjoy a more active life.
Additional Tips for Managing Asthma and Staying Active
- Always carry your reliever inhaler during exercise and use your preventer as prescribed
- Warm up thoroughly before exercise and cool down gradually afterwards
- Avoid exercising outdoors on high pollen days, in very cold or dry conditions, or when air quality is poor
- Stay well hydrated during physical activity
- Ensure you have a current, written asthma action plan developed with your GP
- Build your fitness gradually and listen to your body
Getting Started with Longevity Exercise Physiology
Having asthma doesn’t mean you have to sit on the sidelines. With the right guidance and a program tailored to your needs, you can build your fitness, improve your breathing, and enjoy all the benefits of an active life.
If you’re looking for guidance that’s personalised, practical, and built around real life, we’re here to help.
Claim your FREE 15 minute phone consultation.
Call us at Longevity Exercise Physiology Ascot Vale, Aspley, Broadbeach, Casey, Castle Hill, Coburg, Deagon, Drummoyne, Edgecliff, Five Dock, Gladesville, Gungahlin, Kingsgrove, Liverpool, Macarthur Campbelltown, Marrickville, Neutral Bay, Penrith, Pymble, Pyrmont, Randwick, Rhodes, Rosebery, Springfield, Yamanto today on 1300 964 002 to book your personalised session or a 15-minute free phone consultation.
Written by Aidan Frai (Intern)
References
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2026). Asthma. Chronic Respiratory Conditions. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-respiratory-conditions/asthma
- Australian Bureau of Statistics (2023). Asthma, 2022. National Health Survey. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/asthma/latest-release
- Asthma Australia (2026). Understanding Asthma Statistics and Facts. https://asthma.org.au/what-is-asthma/statistics/
- Huang W, et al. (2025). Effects of Physical Exercises in Asthma: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Review and Meta Analysis. The Clinical Respiratory Journal, 19(4), e70075. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12004085/
- Valkenborghs SR, et al. (2022). Exercise Training Programs Improve Cardiorespiratory and Functional Fitness in Adults With Asthma: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis. Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention, 42(6), 423–433. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35703265/
- Silva RA, et al. (2023). Physical training in adults with asthma: An integrative approach on strategies, mechanisms, and benefits. Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, 4, 1115352. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/rehabilitation-sciences/articles/10.3389/fresc.2023.1115352/full