How do I increase lung health?

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Abaddon's picture
Abaddon

Hi,
I've recently quit smoking and find that when I run or cycle for any length of time my chest feels tight, I wheeze and I feel like I'm not drawing enough breath. :oops:
What is causing this?
Is there anything I can do about it?
Does anyone know any exercises to improve lung capacity? Someone reccomended swimming underwater until I couldn't hold my breath any longer :shock: ... repeatedly. Seems sort of sensible... :?:

How do I increase lung health?

fitness4natic's picture
fitness4natic

Hi Abaddon,
I dont think holding your breath as long as u can a lot of times under water is going to increase lung capasity, and i dont think its too good for you!!!considering it can be very dangerous...
Your lungs are obviously getting used to exercise, just dont push soo hard when your cycling for a while, also try some jogging maybe, as your landing on your left foot breath in for to steps, breath out for 2 steps, always starting that new breath on your left foot, and breathing out on your left foot..thats one way of increasing lung capasity..try not too run or cycle too many hills for a while until your lungs get used to exercise, thats really good that you quit smoking too, really stupid habit!
hope this helped happy exercising too you

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Ian Baillie's picture
Ian Baillie

Hi Abaddon,
Many years ago I read details of an excellent exercise to increase your lung capacity,try this ,
Sit relaxed in chair.
Breathe in to the count of four,
Hold that breath to the count of four,
Breathe out to the count of four,
Don't breathe to the count of four.

Then repeat the above cycle five times ,
three times a day until it becomes easy.

Then do the above cycle plus a set going to the count
of five for each section.
As your lungs develop you should gradually increase the
numbers, remember do not strain but practice makes
perfect.
Good luck with it
Let me know how you go.

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Ian Baillie's picture
Ian Baillie

Hi Abaddon,
Many years ago I read details of an excellent exercise to increase your lung capacity,try this ,
Sit relaxed in chair.
Breathe in to the count of four,
Hold that breath to the count of four,
Breathe out to the count of four,
Don't breathe to the count of four.

Then repeat the above cycle five times ,
three times a day until it becomes easy.

Then do the above cycle plus a set going to the count
of five for each section.
As your lungs develop you should gradually increase the
numbers, remember do not strain but practice makes
perfect.
Good luck with it
Let me know how you go.

post topic

Ian Baillie's picture
Ian Baillie

Hi Abaddon,
How are you going with your " Breathing Exercises ".
You should be up to a count of 6 by now .
Stick with it , in time you will expand your lung capacity enormously.
Let me know your progress.

Cheers Ian

How do I increase lung health?

marina's picture
marina

Hi
Don't know if anyone would agree with this but I kind of had the same problem, I started yoga and the yoga breathing had quite an effect on my lung capacity. :)

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