As someone who has navigated life as an athlete with asthma, I'm excited to share my favorite exercises and how they've shaped my fitness journey. While I'm not a healthcare professional, these activities have been instrumental in my life.

Yoga Sculpt = Vinyasa Yoga + Weights + Cardio

Yoga has been a transformative force in my life for over a decade. Specifically, yoga sculpt has become a staple in my routine. Blending yoga with weights and cardio, it's a holistic workout that challenges both my body and mind. Whether it's holding a challenging pose or flowing through sequences, yoga sculpt empowers me to push past my limitations. I burn on average 800 calories during a 1 hour yoga sculpt workout at Corepower Yoga. That is a super efficient use of time (along with being a lot of fun).

Hiking (Specifically 13,000 and 14,000 foot Mountains)

There's something magical about hitting the trails and immersing myself in nature. Hiking, especially summiting 13,000 (13ers) and 14,000 (14ers) foot mountains, fills me with a sense of accomplishment and awe. With each step, I push myself higher, both physically and mentally. And as someone with asthma, conquering these peaks serves as a testament to my resilience and determination. Personally, I begin to feel my asthma kick in somewhere around the 13,500-foot mark, but I have had friends with asthma feel it much lower on the trail. So please proceed with caution (talk to your healthcare professional) and always make sure you have your inhaler with you.

Trail Running

Despite the challenges of asthma and encountering wildlife like rattlesnakes, trail running has become one of my biggest passions. It is important to note that I didn't even really start running until I was 30 years old. Growing up I didn't like to run just to run. I loved and still love soccer, but running just to run seemed silly to me (and was difficult due to my asthma). If I wasn't scoring a goal or trying to stop someone else from scoring the goal I just didn't see the point. Then, in 2021 I got a dog and it was literally off to the races. In addition, a lot of the hype around climbing 13ers and 14ers had worn off of my friend group, but I still wanted to go (and trail running allowed me to do it a lot quicker). Instead of taking 5-6 hours to hike a mountain, My friend Derrick and I could go knock one out in 2-3 hours. Running amidst nature's beauty invigorates me, offering a sense of freedom and adventure. Each trail presents its own set of obstacles, but overcoming them fuels my love for the sport.

Peloton Bike, Tabata and Bike Boot Camps

The Peloton has been a game-changer for me, especially during the winter months. Whether it's Tabata workouts or bike boot camps, the Peloton offers a diverse range of classes to challenge and inspire me. No matter where you are at on your fitness journey, if you are anything like me, some days your mind will literally come up with every excuse in the book to not work out. Pair this with poor weather outside, and it can be really easy to just say "I am just staying inside today." Once I got my Peloton Bike, this excuse no longer worked because my Peloton is inside. So if you find yourself making excuses around ease of access to working out and you have the money to invest in a Peloton (or other bike or at-home workout equipment of choice), I recommend doing it.

Mountain Biking 

While my mountain biking adventures have slowed down recently, they remain a cherished part of my fitness journey. The adrenaline rush of speeding down rugged trails is unparalleled. Even with asthma, I've tackled challenging terrain and pushed my limits, proving that nothing can hold me back. My favorite part of every workout on this list is going uphill, or more accurately pushing myself beyond my perceived limits. Back in 2020 when I was literally mountain biking every single day, I wouldn't just bike around, I would seak out what trail up a mountain I could climb up with my bike on a given day. Now, I barely jump on my bike, but I am still seeking out mountains to trail run.

Recreational Soccer and Kicking the Ball with the Pup

In my adult years, I decided to come back to soccer. At first, like everything else in health and fitness (and probably life at this point), I felt that if I was going to do it, I was going to push myself to be the best. So, I started doing my research about how you could try out to be on a professional soccer player who at the very least played for the minor leagues. Then, I joined a recreational soccer team and we made it to the championship, went to penalty kicks, and then lost only because the opposing team's goalie played goalie in college for a D1 team.

That felt pretty good, it also gave me the competitive spirit that I was looking for, and it showed me that some people even in a recreational soccer league are inconsiderate about trying to injure other players. I was very blessed to avoid injury, but I realized that right now, this season of my life is for ultra running, specifically doing creative 50Ks, 50 milers, 100Ks, and ultimately 100-mile runs. 

So I am going to stick to just kicking the soccer ball around with my dog at home for now (she is really good).

Frisbee with my Dad

Instead of road biking with my dad like we used to do every weekend growing up, now during the spring, summer and fall months, my dad and I throw the frisbee around. I absolutely love this because we are not only doing a great form of physical activity that is fun, we are also able to hang out. And as I continue to get older and older, I realize how important it is to have activity options to do with the family and friends that you love that aren't just sitting on the couch.

Red Rocks Workouts with Robbie Hall

Working out at Red Rocks, with its stunning natural amphitheater backdrop, is a truly unique experience. Running the stairs and engaging in high-intensity interval training amidst the breathtaking scenery is invigorating. It's a reminder that fitness isn't just about physical strength but also about finding peace and serenity in nature. So when my favorite yoga teacher told me that he was leading workouts at Red Rocks throughout the year, it was a no-brainer for me to join. Robbie Hall is the most inspirational and genuine fitness trainer in the business.

Asthma has never stopped me

Living with asthma presents its challenges, but it hasn't stopped me from pursuing my passion for fitness. Through dedication, perseverance, and a bit of trial and error, I've discovered what works best for me. And while I'm not a healthcare expert, I hope my experiences inspire others with asthma to embrace fitness and find joy in movement.

Fitness isn't just about breaking a sweat; it's about discovering what moves your soul. As someone with asthma, I've learned to listen to my body, push my limits, and celebrate every victory, no matter how small. And if there's one thing I want others to take away from my journey, it's this: with determination and passion, anything is possible, even with asthma.

So lace up your shoes, hit the trails, and embark on your own fitness journey. And remember, asthma may be a part of your story, but it doesn't define you. Embrace the challenge, find what brings you joy, and keep moving forward.

DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS MY OPINION AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER. PLEASE CONSULT A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER FOR GUIDANCE SPECIFIC TO YOUR CASE.