Life Unscripted: Russell on the importance of exercise while living with COPD

For Russell, exercise is a critical component for managing his COPD.

Transcript

00:00

Yeah! Yeah! Exercise is probably the most important thing,

00:07

apart from taking my medications, in managing my COPD. Here we are, the finishing line at the London Marathon.

00:14

We'll see you at the finishing line next week. It keeps me fit, which helps me breathe better.

00:21

But, more importantly, it keeps my mind where I want it to be. My favorite exercise is running, which

00:28

seems odd for someone with COPD because probably one of the hardest things you can do is run when you're struggling to breathe.

00:37

I've been fortunate enough to be able to complete a number of marathons all around the world.

00:43

And I have no doubt that running has been a big key for me living a really good quality of life.

00:50

If you're a newly diagnosed patient, get into a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

00:56

They'll teach you how to exercise with this disease. And the big thing is to be consistent. If you do this, you will notice the benefits.

01:04

You'll be able to control your breathing better, and you'll be able to do the things in life that you never thought you would be able to.