Inclusion Criteria:  Age 40 to 85 years Clinical diagnosis of COPD Hospitalized for acute exacerbation of COPD Be willing to adhere to trial and follow-up procedures and give informed consent  Exclusion Criteria:  Secondary diagnosis of congestive heart failure that is severe as documented by active symptoms, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification IV or left ventricular ejection fraction <25% on echocardiography Other respiratory conditions that could confound the diagnosis such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and lung cancer. Participants with pneumonic exacerbations of COPD will be included. Primary diagnosis of COVID pneumonia Active cancers on chemotherapy or radiation therapy Immunosuppressed states predisposing to frequent hospitalizations including uncontrolled HIV/AIDS Active or recent (within 1 month) myocardial infarction Angina not well-controlled by medication Unstable cardiac arrhythmias, atrial or ventricular Supplemental oxygen requirement greater than 5 liters per minute at either rest or with exertion Significant cognitive dysfunction, including dementia, that in opinion of investigator would impair ability to safely or effectively engage in study protocol Participants with any terminal medical illnesses as diagnosed by a physician, and/or on hospice Currently enrolled in and participating in pulmonary rehabilitation Dialysis therapy Treatment with invasive mechanical ventilation in-hospital or chronic home ventilatory support. Those on in-patient short-term non-invasive ventilation will not be excluded. Special patient groups such as prisoners and institutionalized patients Participants with musculoskeletal comorbidities or physical infirmities that preclude participation in an exercise program Current participation in any other interventional clinical trial Inability to understand and speak English during exercise sessions Inability or unwillingness to comply with study and/or follow-up procedures outlined in the protocol