Author
Bernd Dobbert, as appeared in Alpha1 Journal 1/2023.
For us Alphas, daily exercise is very important. That's why I was especially pleased that online sports gained more prominence during the Corona pandemic.
In addition to my daily walks, I now also participate in online exercise. Despite frequent repetition of the exercises, I don't easily remember how to do them when I want to do them myself.
To fill this gap, I looked for support in book form and found what I was looking for in "The Little Breathing School for COPD and Asthma" by Heike Höfler, published by Südwestverlag.
Construction:
The book's structure alone impressed me. It begins with the basics: learning about breathing, gas exchange, and the structure of the respiratory organs and muscles—all explained in detail. The important accessory respiratory muscles are also covered. The few, but well-placed, illustrations of the respiratory organs allow the reader to immediately review what they've read. Medical texts are often difficult to understand, but these are refreshingly easy to grasp.
Getting ready for the exercise:
Before we begin the exercises, we do some preparatory breathing exercises. All the important points for us Alphas are explained. Pursed-lip breathing, abdominal and diaphragmatic breathing, breath and posture, as well as postures that facilitate breathing, are all covered in detail. I particularly enjoyed the visualizations of the breath. The diaphragm as a large umbrella or the breath as a feather in the wind—these images provide an entertaining distraction.
Structure of the programs:
Now, everyone is eager to start training. The eight exercise programs are presented. The first two programs contain the basic exercises. The third program focuses on exhalation. These are followed by exercises for chest mobility, fascia, circulation, and muscle strengthening.
In each exercise program, the author uses diagrams to show how to perform the exercises correctly. Many of them reminded me of the exercises in pulmonary rehabilitation. Thanks to the book, I find it much easier to perform the exercises from the...
I need to review the online lung exercises. A quick glance at the book, and I remember how it's done. There are often similarities. Online lung exercises, lung exercises in a gym or outdoors, and the book complement each other perfectly. I also use "The Little Breathing School" as a reference book or a memory aid when I've forgotten something.
Summary: Regardless of the wealth of information this book offers, the exercises are naturally the main focus. The division into eight exercise sections is ideal. One day I do the breathing exercises, the next day I concentrate on strengthening, and two days later it's the fascia's turn. All I need to perform the exercises is a chair, a cushion, and a resistance band. I find the minimal preparation, the quick start, and the precise organization perfect. The book has become my constant companion. It has to be, because if I misplace it, I can no longer take advantage of this valuable opportunity for lung exercise. And just participating in Peter Kukry's online lung exercise sessions on Fridays simply isn't enough for me.
