5 easy exercises for lung health

Regarded as the largest organs of the body, lungs perform the important task of providing oxygen supply to the body and expelling carbon dioxide from the body. Therefore, it is crucial to keep them healthy and clean. Here are 5 simple exercises that you can include in your daily routine to boost lung capacity and health.

Diaphragmatic Breathing

As the name suggests, this exercise uses the diaphragm muscles which separates the organs in the abdomen from the lungs. This helps get a deeper inhale and is used by professional singers to increase their lung capacity.

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and put a pillow under your knees for support.
2. Place one hand on your belly below your rib cage. Place the other hand on your chest.
3. Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of three. Your belly and lower ribs should rise, but your chest should remain still.
4. Tighten your stomach muscles and exhale for a count of six through slightly puckered lips.

Humming Breath

Inhale deep and while exhaling make a long humming sound with your mouth closed and the stomach muscles must be pulled inwards.

Anulom-Vilom

This helps clear the airways to inhale deeper and improves lung performance too. It is an alternate nostril breathing exercise that can also relieve stress.

Aerobic exercises

These use large muscle groups to move at a steady, rhythmic pace. They improve the performance and endurance of the heart and lungs by improving breathing. Walking and using a stationary bike are two good aerobic exercises if you have COPD.

Laughter

Who ever said laughter was the best medicine was certainly right! Laughing work the abdominal muscles and increases lung capacity. It also clears out your lungs by forcing enough stale air out that it allows fresh air to enter into more areas of the lung.

Apart from exercising eating a healthy balanced diet is also important. Have you read our post 6 Superfoods for Healthy Lungs ?