Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Lung Function Exercises

Tai chi is an ancient exercise that involves deep breathing.








Lung function becomes better as a result of habitual exercise, which improves the overall functioning of the body and can lower the potential for lung disease, according to an article on improving lung function at newmediaexplorer.org. The type of exercise can vary. The U.S. government recommends that it be of moderate intensity and last at least 30 minutes, helping the heart and lungs to provide the body with oxygen more efficiently. You can do exercises that enhance lung function from a sedentary position or at a full run in competitive sports.


Learning to Breathe


A lung function exercise basically involves learning focus on breathing to use the lungs at their full capacity. Pushing your stomach muscles out decreases the air pressure in your lungs, bringing in air through your nose. Because air moves to a less pressured area, your expanded lungs fill with air. Then, force the air out through your mouth while holding your lips drawn together at the sides. It should take twice as much time to force the air out as it took to take the air in.


Expel Air After Holding Breath


Expand your lungs so that you take in air gradually. Take the air deep into your lungs and hold it for five to 10 seconds. Expel the air by coughing.


Historical Deep Breathing Exercises


Tai chi and yoga use deep breathing to enhance good health. Yoga is a form of exercise that makes use of multiple body postures. It improves lung function through controlled deep breathing in and full exhaling. Tai chi is a type of exercise involving structured moves done in succession at a slow pace along with breath control. By focusing on proper deep breathing and exhaling, you take in clean, fresh air and expel the carbon dioxide waste from your body. This deep breathing makes full use of your lungs, providing your body with a complete exchange of "in with the good air and out with the bad."


Assisted Breathing Enhancement


Mechanical assisting devices can help with lung function exercises. Such devices require a greater effort at exhaling and inhaling, which builds up the muscles associated with breathing.








Regular Physical Exercise


You can improve lung function with regular indoor and outdoor activities, including walking, jogging, running, swimming and other water-resistance exercises, bicycle riding and other sports.


Considerations


As with any exercise program, use caution and consult with a health care provider before starting.

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