Respiratory Support Nelson

30/10/2025

🏃‍♀️ Every Step Counts! 🏃‍♂️

Did you know that regular movement can help improve your lung function and make breathing feel easier? 💨 Exercise strengthens the muscles you use to breathe, boosts your energy, and supports overall wellbeing- especially for those living with a respiratory condition.

At Respiratory Support Nelson, our Better Breather Exercise Classes are a safe, supportive, and social way to get moving at your own pace. Whether it’s stretching, cycling, or low impact strength work- every step truly makes a difference. 🌿

✨ Join us and take that next step toward better breathing and stronger living.
Because every move matters - and so do you. 💛

www.respiratorynelson.co.nz

25/10/2025

🚫 A friendly reminder that there is no class tomorrow, Monday (27th October)- due to the public holiday.

✅ All other classes are running as usual this week and we look forward to seeing you there!

📍 Richmond CIRCUIT Class: Tuesday/ Friday 10- 11am, Club Waimea, Richmond
📍 Richmond GUIDED Exercise Class: Wednesday 11.15am, Club Waimea
📍 NEW Golden Bay Class: Wednesday 10am, Golden Bay Recreation Centre

NEXT week, all classes will be running as usual including:
📍 Motueka Class: Monday 11.30am- 12.30pm, Brass Band Hall, Motueka

25/10/2025

💛 A Heartfelt Thank You to Network Tasman Trust 💛

Respiratory Support Nelson would like to express our deepest gratitude to Network Tasman Trust for their generous support of our Sing Your Lungs Out classes.

With your kindness, we’re able to continue offering a service that boosts confidence, supports lung health, strengthens relationships, and brings joy to those living with lung conditions across our region.

Your support helps us make every breath - and every song - truly count. 🎶💛

Thank you, Network Tasman Trust, for helping our community breathe easier and sing stronger.

22/10/2025

🚫 A friendly reminder that there is NO classes on tomorrow, Friday (24th October)- unfortunately the hall is unavailable. We look forward to seeing you next week!

Have a safe and happy long weekend!

www.respiratorynelson.co.nz

Better Breathing, Better Living! Supporting people with respiratory conditions (and their whanau) to increase quality of life through information, education, community and advocacy. Do you have COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, ILD or any breathing difficulty? We are here to help. Nelson/ Tasman

20/10/2025

🚴‍♀️ A Huge Thank You to Tasman District Council! 🚴‍♂

Respiratory Support Nelson is so grateful for the incredible generosity of the Tasman District Council - Te Kaunihera o te tai o Aorere who have supported us in purchasing two brand new exercycles for our Better Breathers classes.

These bikes will be put to excellent use by all who attend, helping our members build strength, improve fitness, and breathe a little easier.

Ngā mihi nui – your support makes such a difference in the lives of our community.

20/10/2025

Happy Monday everyone!

Here’s what’s happening in our Better Breather Classes this week:

🚫 No class this Friday (24th October)- unfortunately the hall is unavailable.

✅ All other classes are running as usual and we look soforward to seeing you there!

📍 Motueka Class: Monday 11.30am- 12.30pm, Brass Band Hall, Motueka
📍 Richmond CIRCUIT Class: Tuesday 10- 11am, Club Waimea, Richmond
📍 Richmond GUIDED Exercise Class: Wednesday 11.15am, Club Waimea
📍 NEW Golden Bay Class: Wednesday 10am, Golden Bay Recreation Centre

Next week, there will be no class on Monday, 27th October due to Labour day.
All other classes (including Friday, 10am, Club Waimea) will be running as usual.

Our Better Breathers class is all about strength, confidence, and support- and it’s never too late to start! 🌬️💪

29/09/2025

🌟 A Note from Jessica – Manager of Respiratory Support Nelson 🌟

Being part of Better Breathers is one of the highlights of my week. Here’s a peek behind the scenes and some of my tips for staying active and confident with your breathing:

✨ My advice for anyone thinking about joining a class:
Just come along! It doesn’t matter if it’s your first class. You’ll be welcomed, supported, and surprised at how quickly you feel part of the group.

🏋️ Exercise I love at home:
Sit-to-stand. It’s simple, functional, and strengthens your legs! Stronger legs mean everyday activities take less effort, helping you breathe easier.

💨 Breathing tip:
Pursed lip breathing is a great way to manage breathlessness and keep calm while exercising.

🤣 Funniest class moments:
Deb’s morning jokes- proof that sometimes the biggest laughs come from the ones that don’t quite land!

💬 One word to describe Better Breathers:
Valuable! (come try it out!)

📍 Motueka class: Mondays 11.30am–12.30pm, Brass Band Hall
📍 Richmond CIRCUIT exercise class: Tuesday and Fridays, 10am - 11am, Club Waimea, Richmond
📍 Richmond GUIDED exercise class: Wednesdays at 11.15am, Club Waimea, Richmond
📍 Golden Bay exercise class: Wednesdays at 10am, Golden Bay Recreation Centre

Our classes resume the week starting 6th October.

We cant wait to see you at our Better Breather exercise classes!

25/09/2025

🌟 Meet John - Our Better Breathers Class Support & Funding Coordinator Extraordinaire! 🌟

We asked John for his thoughts on Better Breathers, and here’s what he had to say...

✨ Advice for anyone thinking about joining:
Just come along and see for yourself! The classes are fun, the people are friendly, and the atmosphere is welcoming.

💬 One word to describe Better Breathers:
Uplifting 🙌

💡 A surprising benefit people notice:
The friendships and social connections they make while attending class.

🏋️ John’s top tip for exercising at home:
Make it part of your daily routine and, if possible, do it at the same time every day - preferably early so it’s done and dusted, and there’s no excuse to put it off!

Better Breathers is about fun, connection, and staying active. Everyone is welcome, and every step counts!

📍 Motueka class: Mondays 11.30am–12.30pm, Brass Band Hall
📍 Richmond CIRCUIT exercise class: Tuesday and Fridays, 10am - 11am, Club Waimea, Richmond
📍 Richmond GUIDED exercise class: Wednesdays at 11.15am, Club Waimea, Richmond
📍 Golden Bay exercise class: Wednesdays at 10am, Golden Bay Recreation Centre

Our classes resume the week starting 6th October.

Come along and see how uplifting it can be! 💪💙

23/09/2025

🌟 Meet Deborah Costley – Our Incredible Better Breathers Trainer! 🌟

Hi, I’m Deborah, Exercise Trainer at Respiratory Support Nelson. I’ve been running Better Breather Classes for 7 years, helping people with lung conditions stay strong, active, and supported.

💬 If I had to describe Better Breathers in one word?
Actually, two: Supportive and Motivating!

❌ Myth Buster:
Being breathless is NOT harmful to your lungs. During exercise, it’s normal to feel breathless, and it’s actually necessary to improve strength and fitness. Just remember, you should still be able to say 3–4 words before taking your next breath. If you can’t, ease back, rest, and recover.

💡 Tip for staying consistent with exercise at home:
Routine is key. Make exercise a usual part of your day or week. Exercising with a friend or family member helps too- accountability makes it easier to stick to a routine.

Some days will be easier than others. On harder days, try a smaller routine like a 3–5 minute walk or simple movements/strength exercises that feel good. When you attend Better Breathers, walking in the door is already a win- the rest of the class will give you all the motivation and support you need, always at a pace that works for you.

🏋️ Exercise to do at home:
SIT-TO-STAND- it’s functional (we all need to get out of chairs!) and strengthens the big leg muscles, which helps your body use oxygen more efficiently.

If standing up is tricky, use a cushion to start higher or use your hands for support.

If it’s easy, add a weight (dumbbell, book, backpack) to challenge your legs and build strength even more.

Better Breathers is about strength, confidence, and support, and it’s never too late to start!

📍 Motueka class: Mondays 11.30am–12.30pm, Brass Band Hall
📍 Richmond CIRCUIT exercise class: Tuesday and Fridays, 10am - 11am, Club Waimea, Richmond
📍 Richmond GUIDED exercise class: Wednesdays at 11.15am, Club Waimea, Richmond
📍 Golden Bay exercise class: Wednesdays at 10am, Golden Bay Recreation Centre

Our classes resume the week starting 6th October.

Come along, give it a try, and see what you can achieve! 💪💙

23/09/2025

🌟 Meet Donna – our SUPER wonderful Motueka Better Breathers trainer! 🌟

We asked Donna a few questions about what makes Better Breathers special, and her answers are too good not to share 💙

✨ Her advice if you’re nervous about starting:
👉 Come along with a friend who already attends or
👉 Arrive a little early and have a chat with your trainer.
👉 And remember that everyone, even our trainers, had a first class once.

💬 One word to describe Better Breathers?
Beneficial. 🙌

🤣 Funniest moment?
When our super-fit 90-year-old burst into song, “He’s got the whole world in His hands”, while lifting a Swiss ball onto his shoulder.

💡 Donna’s top tips for keeping up exercise at home:
1️⃣ Make it part of your daily routine.
2️⃣ Prioritise it.
3️⃣ Choose exercises you enjoy.

💪 Whether it is building confidence, making friends, or feeling the benefits of regular exercise, Better Breathers is here for YOU. Everyone is welcome, and every step counts.

📍 Motueka class: Mondays 11.30am–12.30pm, Brass Band Hall
📍 Richmond CIRCUIT exercise class: Tuesday and Fridays, 10am - 11am, Club Waimea, Richmond
📍 Richmond GUIDED exercise class: Wednesdays at 11.15am, Club Waimea, Richmond
📍 Golden Bay exercise class: Wednesdays at 10am, Golden Bay Recreation Centre

Our classes resume the week starting 6th October.

Come and give it a go. You might surprise yourself! 🌿

17/09/2025

📣 Friendly Reminder
There will be NO Better Breathers class on Friday 19th September.

All our classes will also pause for the school holidays (19th September – 5th October).

✨ We can’t wait to welcome you all back the week of Monday 6th October.