Elbow circles for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Before starting any exercise program, talk to your health professional. He or she may ask that you do specific exercises and will help you determine how often and how long to do them and your long-term goals.

Start the exercise slowly and gradually. Either keep track of how long you can do it or count the number of times you can do it before you are mildly out of breath. Then rest and move on to the next exercise. Each week, increase the amount of time you do them or how many you do.

• Sit or stand with your feet slightly apart.
• Place your hands on your shoulders with your elbows at shoulder level and pointing out.
• Slowly make a circle with your elbows.
• Breathe out as you start the circle and breathe in as you complete the circle.