Lungs are vital organs that require being well taken care of to keep them healthy and strong. The number one enemy of the lungs is smoking. The first step to healthy lungs is to quit smoking. The next step is to incorporate exercise into your lifestyle.
Some exercises work well to keep lungs healthy and strong. These exercises strengthen the muscles around the lungs and also increase their elasticity. Lungs, like any other organs, require regular exercises to function. Let us look at some of the proven exercises to keep your lungs healthy and functional.
Breathing Exercises
Many people with lung and respiratory problems are required to perform breathing exercises. You might have heard of a respiratory therapist and wondered what these people do. Well, they assist people to master breathing techniques. The lungs require these breathing exercises to increase their capacity to take in more oxygen. When you exercise, the lungs’ elasticity increases. This means that they can expand and take in more oxygen. If you can perform these breathing exercises on your own, all you need to do is:
- Sit down on a comfortable seat
- Close your eyes and relax your mind
- Take a deep breath and inhale as much air as you can
- Count up to five as you take in air.
- Hold your breath for five seconds
- Breath out slowly and let all the air out.
- Repeat this exercises eight times a day.
Wind Instruments
Wind instruments include flutes, saxophones, oboes, tubas, or clarinets. These instruments require your lungs’ full capacity to play successfully. If you watch the musicians who play these instruments, they take a long time before breathing out. One of these instruments will give your lungs some good exercise. If these instruments prove to be a challenge to you, try the easy way out, sing. Singing exercises the lungs and the diaphragm. The high and low notes in as song will not only soothe your soul but will keep your lungs healthy and strong. No one requires you to learn how to play these instruments like a pro. The goal here is not to turn you into a world-class musician, but to simply exercise your lungs.
Cardio and Aerobics
Cardio exercises are those exercises that increase your heart rate. They can include running, cycling, or mountain climbing. When you exercise your heart and lungs, the muscles around these two organs are strengthened. You will need to dedicate at least twenty minutes of your time every day to vigorous exercises. You can also enroll in an aerobics class at your nearest gym. The short but intense exercises increase your lungs’ capacity. Do not work yourself to death. Start out small and increase your exercises as you build your body strength.
Yoga
Yoga is not only great for the mind, but also for your lungs. Yoga incorporates meditation, stretching, and breathing. Start with the basics as you progress. Avoid the intense high-temperature yoga if you are a beginner. You will get there eventually, but for now, keep things simple.
Swimming
Swimming requires you to hold your breath in intervals. This is a great way to exercise your lungs and increase their elasticity as well as their capacity. Take a swim at least four times a week. If you attended a swimming class, you were probably taught some breathing techniques in water. These techniques can be applied as exercises for the lungs and diaphragm.
Vaping
This exercise comes in handy for former smokers. If you have transited from smoking to vaping, you are on your way to health. Use the safe options like the tobacco e-juice to prevent the annoying relapses. The vaping exercise involves inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly. This technique is similar to what is done in breathing classes. You will also have fun while at it. When you vape, you will notice that your breathing will improve with time because you are not inhaling any carbon monoxide or tar.
When you exercise, do not emphasize your lungs alone. Exercise to keep your whole body strong and healthy. The body is a system and when all organs are healthy; your lungs will have a smooth time doing what they do best.
