Gentle movement can help maintain strength, flexibility, confidence and wellbeing when you are living with aspergillosis or another long-term lung condition. Yoga may be one option, particularly if you prefer slower, adapted or chair-based activity.
Yoga is not a treatment for aspergillosis and it does not replace pulmonary rehabilitation, prescribed treatment or airway-clearance physiotherapy. It may, however, be a helpful addition to an exercise plan agreed with your clinical team.
Talk to your respiratory team or physiotherapist first
Before starting a new yoga, exercise or breathing routine, speak to your respiratory team or specialist physiotherapist. They can help you choose an activity level that is safe for your condition, symptoms and current treatment.
This is particularly important if you have recently been unwell, cough up blood, use oxygen, have severe breathlessness, dizziness, chest pain, balance problems, or have had a recent treatment change or hospital admission.
Yoga for people with lung conditions
The Irish Lung Fibrosis Association has produced a free yoga session designed for people living with lung disease. It includes breathing, relaxation and movement exercises, with options that can be done seated in a chair as well as standing.
The video was made for people with lung fibrosis, not specifically aspergillosis. Ask your physiotherapist or clinical team whether it is suitable for you before trying it.
Watch the ILFA yoga session for people with lung conditions
If you are advised to try yoga or gentle exercise
Start with a short session and move slowly. Take breaks when you need them, and use the version of an exercise that feels manageable for you. The aim is to be safely active, not to push through severe breathlessness or exhaustion.
Stop and seek medical advice if you develop chest pain, feel faint, have severe breathlessness that does not settle, or experience new worrying symptoms.
Pulmonary rehabilitation: the evidence-based starting point
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a structured programme of exercise, education and support for people with long-term lung conditions. It is individually assessed and adapted, helping people manage breathlessness, build confidence and stay active.
Find out more about pulmonary rehabilitation for aspergillosis.
Other exercise resources
- Asthma + Lung UK: exercises to help you feel more energetic – includes seated and standing options at different levels.
- Irish Lung Fibrosis Association: exercise and online classes.
Key message
Yoga and chair-based movement may be helpful additions to an exercise plan agreed with your clinical team or specialist physiotherapist. Pulmonary rehabilitation is usually the best evidence-based starting point for people with long-term lung conditions.
This page provides general information and does not replace advice from your own clinical team.
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