Fix shortness of breath

[Anonymous]

After 9 months of depression and unemployment (sedentary) I am starting to get winded on walks. I get tired easily while cleaning the house. Please tell me the most effective way to get my cardiopulmonary health back up.

Here is what I have access to at my gym:
Lap pool for aqua jogging
Weight room
Peletons
Rowing machines
Pilates machines
Racquet courts
Elipticals
Treadmills, but my knees are an issue


What’s the best exercise routine to boost my overall stamina?

[Anonymous]

If you are winded on walks, step one is to walk more and at a faster pace.

Of the things you listed above, you want to look for something that boosts your heart rate. This could be aqua jogging, peleton, rowing, elliptical, or power walking at an incline on the treadmill.

It's good to build strength for other reasons - but lifting weights (alone) won't help your cardio health.

[Anonymous]

Rowing

[Anonymous]

I agree about the walking on inclines on the treadmill. You can do reps with light hand weights to add a little more total body challenge.

If you are starting from sedentary, then you have to build up. May not take long if your fitness level was high before this, but you risk injury if you start too aggressively...especially if you are using unfamiliar equipment. Most people use rowing machines incorrectly, for example. And you can injure your back, especially if it's already weak, if you use improper form. (FWIW, I was a coxswain in college.)

[Anonymous]

When did you have bloodwork last? Your iron levels could be low.