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Exercise is very important for kids with CF. It helps you clear mucus from your lungs and improves your heart and lung function. People who exercise regularly report feeling better about themselves. There are many different ways to exercise, and you can do with your whole family, and your friends. Aerobic Activity
This is body movement that increases your heart rate. Some aerobic activities–basketball, gymnastics, jumping rope, lacrosse, running, soccer and swimming–will help you more than others. Activities like golf and baseball are still fun but will not help your lung function as much. Weight Training
Lifting weights three times a week will make both your muscles and your heart stronger. It will also help you fight osteoporosis by making your bones stronger. Increase the amount of weights you're using. A good rule of thumb is to increase your weight when you can do three sets of eight repetitions at the current weight. Remember to give your muscles at least a one-day rest between workouts. Posture
Good posture is something that most of us forget about, but poor posture places stress on our bodies and affects our lungs. Take a deep breath while sitting straight up, then slump over and take a deep breath. See any difference? When you sit upright, you can get more air into your lungs. The problem is people with CF tend to slouch because of all of the coughing they do. Exercises such as squeezing your shoulder blades together ten times, which you can do throughout the day, will help strengthen the muscles that help you maintain good posture. Remember to sit up straight and stand tall!
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