Did you know that your lungs are your basic defense mechanisms against environmental pollutants? Lungs supply oxygen to different parts of the body. Oxygen is the elixir of life, without which all metabolic functions come to a standstill. It is therefore, very important to keep your lungs fit by increasing their capacity to hold more air.
A greater lung capacity improves your vigor and promotes overall health. Several forms of sport require a greater lung capacity. We have outlined a few breathing exercises which will improve your lung capacity besides guaranteeing a better lung function.
Breathing Exercises To Improve Lung Capacity
Chest Stretching
Stand straight with arms by your sides. Remove air out of your lungs by exhaling. Then slowly inhale, expanding your lungs to the maximum. Hold air inside your lungs for 20 seconds.
While doing so, keep your hands on your hips with the thumbs in front and fingers resting on the back of your hips. This movement stretches your chest. Exhale slowly. Relax for 3 seconds, and then repeat the same. Perform this exercise for 10 more times.
Abdominal Breathing
Lie comfortably on your back on a flat surface. Rest your left hand on your abdomen and your right hand on top of your chest. Breathe in slowly and deeply with your nose. Hold your breath for 5 seconds. You will notice that your left hand will rise higher than your right hand which is on your chest.
Exhale slowly with your mouth, compressing your abdominal muscles towards the end to remove any air that may have been left behind. Repeat this exercise five times.
Swan Pose
Lie on the floor, face down. Keep your palms flat touching the floor, under your shoulders, assuming a push up position.Inhale and gradually lift your head, neck and chest till your abdomen, as you keep your palms pressed to the floor.
Make sure that you pull your shoulders back at this time, so that your chest gets opened up. Now exhale and slowly bring your chest, neck and head back to the floor level. Repeat this 10 times.
Forward Bend
Stand in an upright position with your arms stretched above your head. Keep your knees loose. Bend down from your waist, while pushing out air from your lungs completely.
Inhale slowly and at the same time come back to an upright position with arms stretched above your head. Hold your breath for 10 seconds. Exhale and relax for 2 seconds before repeating this exercise 8 more times.
Pursed Lips
Stand straight with arms by your sides. Take a deep breath. Now exhale through your mouth with force. However, make sure that the opening between your lips is so small that very less air can get out.
This resists your attempt at breathing out. Repeat this procedure for 4 to 5 times in a single sitting. This exercise makes your lungs capable of holding more air for a longer time.
All the above mentioned exercises increase the capacity of your lungs, improving your overall health considerably. Make sure that you perform these on a regular basis.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.