Last updated on : 25 Apr, 2025
Read time : 8 min
Our lungs play a vital role in supplying oxygen to the body, but their capacity and function naturally decline as we age. Lung capacity refers to the total amount of air our lungs can hold, and maintaining it is essential for overall health. This capacity gets hampered when you suffer from a respiratory condition. Fortunately, regular breathing exercises can help strengthen the lungs, improve efficiency, and enhance respiratory endurance.
Whether you have a respiratory condition or simply want to boost lung function, specific exercises can help increase lung capacity, improve endurance, and reduce breathlessness. From deep breathing techniques to aerobic workouts, incorporating lung-strengthening exercises into your routine can improve respiratory health and overall fitness.
In this blog, we will explore different exercises to improve lung health.
Chronic respiratory conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can significantly affect lung capacity, leading to breathlessness and difficulty breathing. COPD includes conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which further impair lung function.
These symptoms can worsen with time, but practising lung exercise can help increase lung capacity.
When we have healthy lungs, breathing is natural and easy. Over time, people with asthma and COPD have poor lung capacity, which causes oxygen levels to fall in the body, leading to breathlessness.
Fortunately, many lung exercises make the lungs strong and are beneficial to increasing lung capacity and maintaining lung health.
Performing lung exercise regularly potentially aids in reducing breathlessness and increases overall energy. Incorporating specific poses like Padmasana (Lotus Position) can be particularly beneficial for maintaining and improving lung health.
We all know prevention is the best cure; keeping our lungs healthy rather than repairing them after something goes wrong is better.
People with a weaker respiratory system and more prone to lung complications must get vaccinated to strengthen their lungs.
If any person experiences poor lung symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing that do not go away, they should contact their doctor as soon as possible.
Belly breathing lung exercise, also called “Diaphragmatic breathing”, engages the diaphragm to strengthen the lungs for heavy lifting during breathing. This lung exercise is helpful for people with COPD as it strengthens the diaphragm and increases lung capacity.
Follow the given steps to practice belly breathing lung exercises
Pursed lips breathing is a lung capacity exercise that slows breathing and reduces workload, keeping airways open for longer. This lung exercise improves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, thus increasing lung capacity.
To practice pursed lips breathing lung exercise-
Performing deep breathing lung exercises prevents air from getting trapped in our lungs, which may cause restlessness in the lungs.
Here is how to practice deep breathing lung capacity exercises-
Lung exercise tip:
This exercise should be accompanied by daily breathing exercises, including bhramari pranayama, and must be performed 3-4 times daily.
Buteyko breathing lung exercise is an especially designed technique for asthmatic patients. This method emphasises controlling the speed and volume of breath.
The Buteyko method improves breath control and promotes proper breathing patterns. Practising this lung exercise prevents complications like breathlessness, coughing, and wheezing.
Roll breathing lung exercise helps to develop the lungs and focus on the breathing rhythm.
Tips for roll breathing:
People with poor lung health should practice roll breathing for several weeks as this method also relieves breathlessness.
According to AAFP, people who perform breathing exercises show increased lung capacity and other potential benefits like:
People who experience breathing problems generally avoid physical activities because of breathlessness. But practising physical activities improves lung health and makes them stronger.
Some common physical exercises that can be performed include:
While doing exercise, the heart and lungs are the two most active organs that come into action. Lungs receive oxygen, provide energy to the body, and remove carbon dioxide from the body.
While exercising, muscles work harder, and the body uses more energy and oxygen. To cope with the demand, our breathing pattern increases to about 20-25 times normal, which increases lung activity and improves lung function.
Knowing lung capacity is essential for people to practice exercises that strengthen their lungs. When a person suffers from lung disease or other respiratory complications, their breathing status fluctuates daily. Knowing the right lung capacity helps to monitor and keep track of respiratory activities.
Here is a method to determine lung capacity at home:
A peak flow meter, also called a spirometer, is a device that measures the strength of your breath. You have to breathe in one end simply, and the meter will show your peak expiratory flow reading on a scale of litres per minute.
This device is inexpensive and also available in drug stores or online. Using a peak flow meter is the most convenient method to track the daily progress of your lung health.
Incorporating lung-strengthening exercises into your daily routine can significantly improve respiratory function, increase lung capacity, and enhance overall endurance. Whether through deep breathing techniques, aerobic activities, or resistance training, these exercises help your lungs work more efficiently, reducing breathlessness and improving oxygen circulation.
Consistency is key. Practising these exercises regularly can lead to long-term benefits, especially for those with respiratory conditions. Along with exercise, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying hydrated, and avoiding pollutants further support lung health. By taking proactive steps, you can keep your lungs strong and enjoy better breathing for years.
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*Disclaimer
The information in this article has been checked for accuracy, but it is best to talk to a doctor before trying any medicines, supplements, or information mentioned here.
Deep breathing exercises, diaphragmatic breathing, pursed-lip breathing, aerobic activities (such as walking, jogging, and swimming), and yoga improve lung capacity and overall respiratory function.
Practising breathing exercises daily for at least 10–15 minutes and engaging in aerobic activities 3–5 times a week can help enhance lung efficiency and endurance over time.
Yes, regular lung exercises can improve breathing efficiency, reduce breathlessness, and enhance oxygen intake for individuals with asthma and COPD. However, consult a doctor before starting any new exercise routine.
Yes, deep breathing exercises like diaphragmatic and pursed-lip breathing can help expand lung capacity, improve oxygen exchange, and strengthen respiratory muscles.
Always start slowly, avoid overexertion, and practice in a well-ventilated area. If you experience dizziness, shortness of breath, or discomfort, stop immediately and seek medical advice.
Disclaimer
Our healthcare experts have carefully reviewed and compiled the information presented here to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness. It is important to note that this information serves as a general overview of the topic and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or cure any health problem. This page does not establish a doctor-patient relationship, nor does it replace the advice or consultation of a registered medical practitioner. We recommend seeking guidance from your registered medical practitioner for any questions or concerns regarding your medical condition.
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