All cells need oxygen to function properly and the lungs are a major system in the body that, supply oxygen to other cells. The lungs need to be exercised to stay healthy and function effectively. A very important benefit of exercise is that it aids in pumping enough oxygen into the body and also improves circulation. The ability of the body to absorb more oxygen can be increased by breathing exercises and by practicing these exercises often. Below are some of the exercises you can try out.
1. Push out
Start by standing upright, then bend forward from your waist while you push out air from your lungs at the same time. Return to the original position and inhale as much air as you can, so that your lungs are filled with oxygen. Hold your breath for about 20 seconds and raise your arms over your head straight, then lower your arms and exhale slowly. Repeat the process and keep practicing.
2. Aerobics
Aerobics help to improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthening the heart and lungs and enabling them to distribute oxygen more efficiently. It also helps to improve breathing and is usually recommended to be included in every exercise regimen. Common examples of aerobic exercises to engage in are walking, running, cycling, swimming, dancing, spinning and so on.
3. Rib stretch
To do this, stand upright with your back erect and breathe out all the oxygen you have in your lungs. Breathe slowly and hold in as much air as you can in your lungs, then hold your breath for about 15 seconds and exhale slowly. Return to the original position and repeat.
4. Abdominal breathing
This exercise works just perfectly on not only the abdomen but, also on the lungs. Start by lying on your back, keeping one arm on your abdomen and the other gently on your chest. Inhale through your nose. It should go into your abdomen and this will cause the hand on your abdomen to move upward and the hand on your chest to stay in position. Hold your breath for a few seconds, then exhale through your mouth while you tighten your abdominal muscles. The tightening helps to remove any air left in the lungs. Keep repeating the process for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Conclusion
Improving your lung capacity will benefit you in so many ways. It will help you to engage in some exercises without fighting for breath and also improve your overall health.
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