Breathing exercises for lung expansion

The capacity of each person’s lungs will depend on several factors such as daily eating style, practice of a sport or physical activity, or tobacco consumption, among many others. The truth is that a person cannot change the amount of oxygen entering their body, But there are some breathing exercises that contribute to the expansion of the lungs.

As the years pass, each person’s lung capacity decreases, especially after the age of 25. This, added to some conditions such as Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can speed up the ability to hold air in the lungs.

While exercises are not a cure for these conditions, the reality is that they allow you to have a healing style healthier life and without many discomforts related to breathing.

For example, deep breathing can help clear mucus from the lungs after pneumonia or a similar condition. This will allow circulate more air from the organism.

Something similar happens with spaced breathing. This is an ideal exercise for when shortness of breath or difficulty breathe during physical activity.

To do this, you need to alternate physical work from more to less strenuous: that is, practicing an exercise with intensity for 1 minute, and then taking 2 minutes to breathe and walk. This will allow the the lungs recover more quickly before forcing them again.

Although these exercises help people increase lung capacity, it is better to do so go to a specialist to evaluate each situation and determine the steps to follow.

In this sense, the site “Medical News Today” explains that “it is a good idea to consult a doctor before trying any new exercise, even a breathing exercise.” “This is especially true for people with medical problems underlying conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. “The doctor can offer advice to make sure the person gets the best results.”

Some exercises to improve lung capacity

The specialized health portal “ABC” has published a list of exercises that help improve the capacity of the lungs contain the air. Practicing each of them daily will give short, medium and long term results. Below, each of them:

• Breathing with pursed lips. Inhale through your nose, holding the air for two to three seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth with pursed lips, as if you were blowing. The expiration time should be longer than the inhalation time.
• Abdominal or diaphragmatic breathing. In a supine position, with your legs slightly bent and your feet resting on the floor, or in a sitting position on a chair with your back well supported and your feet slightly apart, place your hands on your abdomen and inhale through your nose, filling your lungs as much as possible, it is held for two or three seconds and slowly expelled through the mouth with pursed lips.
• Costal breathing. This chest expansion exercise is performed while lying on your back. With your legs extended or in a sitting position, place your hands on your chest, inhale gently directing the air towards your hands and hold the position for two or three seconds. Expel it by pressing lightly on the ribs to help empty the air. Perform 10 to 15 repetitions twice a day.