For many people living with asthma, being physically active can feel complicated.
Some worry that exercise will trigger symptoms or make breathing more difficult. Yet research continues to show that regular physical activity is one of the most important ways people with asthma can support their overall health and quality of life.
As summer begins, it is important to recognize how physical activity, asthma and air quality are connected and how these factors influence the health of our communities.
Physical Activity Benefits People with Asthma
Asthma affects more than 28 million Americans and remains one of the most common chronic health conditions in the U.S. Research shows that most people with well-managed asthma can safely participate in regular physical activity. Even people who experience exercise-induced asthma can remain active with appropriate symptom management and guidance from their health care provider.
In fact, staying active can have benefits for other common chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Research has also linked regular physical activity among people with asthma to fewer hospitalizations, fewer missed school days, and improved quality of life.
Being active does not have to mean high intensity workouts or competitive sports. Walking, biking, swimming, gardening, and other forms of movement can all contribute to better health.
The key is finding ways to move consistently while managing asthma symptoms appropriately.
The Role of Air Quality
While physical activity offers important health benefits, environmental conditions can influence when and where people feel comfortable being active, whether or not they have asthma or another respiratory condition.
Air pollution, including ozone, wildfire smoke, and fine particulate matter, can irritate the airways and make breathing more difficult. Recent research highlighted by the American College of Sports Medicine found that poor air quality can affect athletic performance, endurance, and overall health. Air pollution exposure has been associated with decreased lung function, reduced endurance and other health concerns that can affect both athletes and everyday exercisers.
Paying attention to air quality can be an important part of staying active safely. Checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) before heading outdoors can help people make informed decisions about when and where to be active. On days when air quality is poor, people may choose to be active indoors, adjust the timing of their workouts to avoid pollution from commuters, or select lower-intensity activities.
Communities Can Help Make Active Living Easier
Individual choices matter, but community conditions also play a significant role in supporting healthy lifestyles. The ACSM American Fitness Index evaluates U.S. cities using indicators related to personal health, community resources, and environmental conditions. The rankings consistently show that cities with strong access to parks, trails, recreational facilities, and active transportation options create more opportunities for residents to incorporate movement into their daily lives.
Communities can support healthier environments by improving public transportation options, reducing vehicle emissions, and expanding safe places for walking and biking. These strategies not only encourage physical activity but can also contribute to cleaner air and healthier neighborhoods.
Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference
Asthma does not have to be a barrier to an active lifestyle. For many people, the combination of proper symptom management, regular physical activity and awareness of air quality conditions can make a meaningful difference in health and quality of life.
At the same time, communities that invest in safe places to be active and work to improve air quality create environments where more people can thrive. Whether the goal is a walk around the neighborhood, a bike ride to work or time spent in a local park, healthy communities make healthy choices easier.
