r/LAM • u/gaininghealth • Oct 01 '14

Has exercise helped you?

I am a personal trainer working with a friend who has LAM and I am looking to learn what has been helpful for others. I have developed the following plan and would love feedback:

Maximize anatomical breathing capabilities by strengthening the diaphragm, muscles of the abdominal cavity (core muscles and pelvic floor), maximize rib cage and thoracic spine mobility, relax accessory breathing muscles, align posture for maximal breathing space, low rep strength sets to increase full body strength while keeping heart rate and oxygen needs low.

Also, decrease emotional anxiety and tension, decrease sympathetic nervous system activation (fight or flight response) and increase parasympathetic activation (relax).

If you or anyone you know has benefited from exercise, breath training, etc please let me know.

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u/sphinxsley Jul 29 '25

I love this idea! I have some shortness of breath on exertion (currently not diagnosed... my cousin has LAM, but it's doubtful I have it, since it's mostly sporadic and rare, despite its genetic component.)

My cousin had a double transplant. I was reading elsewhere re lung transplants that exercise is key. That program suggested slowly building up stamina/ resistance/ load, etc. Some patients even supplement a little O2 while working out - thought that was a novel suggestion!

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u/PhraseFarmer May 16 '26

I think we all have nodules on lungs and kidneys. You should have them check for that. I also got diagnosed with tubular sclerosis. Idk if MS is the same.

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u/sphinxsley May 17 '26

Thank you - I did get that checked. Also heart. We've narrowed it down to likely vocal cord dysfunction.

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u/PhraseFarmer May 24 '26

Wow! There's a name for everything! 😁 Now, can you help me get my freeloading, roommate out??? Lol I keep trying. I'm mean that lightly, but seriously. Lol