Lung Exercises to Increase Oxygen

Breathing is one of the most important processes in our body, as it provides us with the oxygen necessary to keep our bodies functioning. However, due to inactivity, people often have weak lungs that can't breathe as fully as the body needs. Doing some breathing exercises to increase your lung strength can help provide your body with more oxygen.

  1. Belly Breath

    • The belly breath will help improve your lung's efficiency by maximizing the potential of each breath. Start by lying on your back. Tuck some pillows under your knees and neck to avoid strain. Breathe deeply for a few moments before beginning. Cup your hands underneath the base of your rib cage. Your middle fingers should just barely touch each other as they rest beneath your rib cage. Take a slow deep breath. This will cause your fingertips to separate slightly. This movement represents the deepest breath you can take without puffing your chest out. Take time to master this breathing method every day. Five minutes each day is a good start. Work up to 10 minutes each day. After awhile, this movement will become natural and instinctive, and you won't have to do this exercise any more.

    Huff Cough

    • The huff cough technique is a distinct approach to breathing exercises. It uses deep breathing and coughing to increase your lung strength. Start by sitting in a chair with your back straight. Take three to five deep breaths, and then place your hands across your upper belly. Your fingers should overlap. Breathe normally, open your mouth, and tighten your ab and chest muscles. Cough and whisper "huff" as strongly as you can. If any snot or mucus comes with your cough, spit it into a paper towel to dispose of it. Repeat this process two to four times a day. These harsh coughs work the muscles in your lungs in a safe way. If coughing like this is too harsh on your lungs, you may wish to do this exercise less before building up to four repetitions.

    Standing Breathing Exercise

    • The standing breathing exercise will help work your lung muscles fully while avoiding the scrunching of sitting down. All of the breathing will be done through your nose. Your back should be straight, and your feet shoulder width apart. Your weight should be in your legs, and your hands should be in front of you. As you inhale, raise your arms. With your arms straight out, lower your arms while exhaling. All motion should be fluid and effortless. Once your hands are at your abs again, pause. On this breath, raise your arms vertically close to your body. Once they reach your chest, turn them to your body, and raise your arms above your head. Stretch them as high as you can while holding your breathe. Exhale, and bring your arms down and back to your body in an arc and back to the starting position. Doing 10 to 12 reps make a good routine, but 25 to 30 can be done as well.