What is COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. It is a progressive disease, meaning it worsens over time and cannot be cured. COPD is typically caused by long-term exposure to irritants like tobacco smoke or air pollution, and it affects millions of people worldwide.

The symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. These symptoms can be mild at first, but they often get worse over time, making it more difficult to perform everyday activities like walking or climbing stairs.

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment can help slow the progression of COPD and improve quality of life.

COPD

The Importance of Exercise in COPD

Exercise is important in COPD because it can help improve overall lung function, increase endurance, and enhance quality of life. People with COPD often experience shortness of breath and decreased lung capacity, which can make physical activity difficult. However, incorporating regular exercise into a COPD management plan can help:

  1. Improve lung function: Regular exercise can help increase lung capacity, making it easier to breathe and reducing the severity of COPD symptoms.

  2. Build endurance: Exercise can help improve cardiovascular health and increase endurance, making it easier to perform daily activities and reducing fatigue.

  3. Strengthen muscles: People with COPD often experience muscle weakness due to decreased physical activity. Strength training exercises can help build muscle mass, improving overall physical strength and making it easier to perform daily tasks.

  4. Improve mental health: Regular exercise can help reduce anxiety and depression, which are common in people with COPD.

  5. Improve overall quality of life: Incorporating regular exercise into a COPD management plan can lead to an overall improvement in quality of life, including increased energy levels, better sleep, and increased social interaction.

 
COPD

Live & Breathe Better with COPD

The Lung Workshop is 8 weeks of interactive group exercise training supervised by a rehabilitation specialist. The program is tailored to your needs and follows evidence-based exercise training which aims to improve respiratory symptoms and physical function.  

Initial Assessment

Schedule a consultation to meet your trainer, discuss goals and cost, address questions, and perform a quick physical assessment.

Exercise Classes

Attend two 60-minute supervised group exercise classes every week. The sessions are online via Zoom, so you can exercise at home and not worry about traveling to a gym or centre.

Support

Receive practitioner support every step of the way. Our goal is to help you manage your condition, regain independence, and build confidence. 

FAQ

The Lung Workshop is 8 weeks of virtual group exercise supervised by a rehabilitation specialist. The program follows evidence-based exercise training which aims to reduce breathlessness, improve lung function, and enhance quality of life.

The cost is $250 for the 8-week workshop. You will also have access to the Free Online Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program during and following the Lung Workshop.

All insurance plans are slightly different. If you are unsure as to which paramedical services are covered by your insurance plan, please review your policy document or contact your insurance provider. When speaking with your provider, be sure to ask specifically about coverage for supervised exercise training with a rehabilitation specialist.

We understand that not everyone has access to a fully equipped gym or expensive exercise equipment. That’s why we’ve designed our program to be adaptable and budget-friendly. All you need is a resistance band and two light weights / dumbbells. You can get creative and use household items (e.g., soup cans, water bottles, bags of rice) if you do not have dumbbells.

The program lasts 8 weeks, which includes a complimentary consultation, 2 exercise sessions every week, and practitioner checkins.

This is a virtual program offered online via Zoom.  

No, you do not need a signed referral from a doctor to participate in our program. Our mission is to make pulmonary rehabilitation easily accessible for everyone. We encourage all clients to discuss pulmonary rehabilitation with their physician to ensure the program is right for them.

Follow iMaster Health

Pulmonary rehabilitation helps ease respiratory symptoms, improve physical and psychological well-being, and increase disease management. Please discuss your decision to begin online pulmonary rehabilitation with a doctor or health care provider.

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