5 Types of Respiratory Exercises to Improve Lung Function

People who have COPD have damaged lung conditions. As a result, a decrease in lung function due to damage causes a number of respiratory disorders.

Not only people with COPD, some other people who also have problems with their lungs are more likely to experience decreased lung function. Some factors that might make a person experience a decrease in lung function include smoking, asthma, lung cancer, and emphysema which is one of the common diseases of people with COPD.

So, what if your lung function decreases? Calm down first. The good news is that lung function can be improved by doing several types of simple exercises regularly. What can be done?

Improve your lung function with the following 5 exercises

Take a deep breath

Many experts believe that taking deep breaths will increase lung capacity. To do this, stand up straight with relaxed knees. Bend over while slowly removing all the air in the lungs.


When you empty all the air in your lungs, return to your upright position while breathing as much air as possible at the same speed. Hold your breath for a few moments, if possible for 15-20 counts. You can stretch your arms up when counting and lower them when exhaling slowly. Repeat this 3-4 times.

Stretch ribs

This exercise will help strengthen your breathing muscles. Stand in an upright position and remove all air from the lungs. Then, start breathing air and inflating your lungs to the maximum. Hold your breath for at least 20 seconds. Place your hand on your waist with your thumb in front and the other finger touching your back. Gently exhale and relax. Do this at least three times.

Do abdominal breathing exercises

Abdominal breathing needs to be done with special techniques so that the benefits can really be felt. Lie on your back by placing one hand on the abdomen and the other on the chest. Slowly breathe deeply by focusing on the center of your body. You will feel and see your hands on your abdomen lift as long as you breathe more air.


Be sure to breathe air through your nose and remove it through your mouth. If possible, hold your breath for a few seconds between the process of pulling and exhaling. Consider tightening your abdominal muscles after exhaling to ensure that you have completely emptied your lungs.

Breathe while pursing your lips

WebMD recommends those who have COPD to pursed-lip breathing or breathing with their lips pursed. To do this, first, relax the neck and shoulder muscles. Then inhale through the nose for 2 seconds. During breathing, make sure your mouth is tightly closed. Exhale through the cone mouth for 4 seconds. If you feel tired doing it in that time frame, the key is to exhale your breath in two times longer than when you breathe.

Aerobic exercise and muscle stretching

Stretching exercises will increase the flexibility of the breathing muscles. Aerobic exercise that uses large muscles can also increase the resilience of your heart and lungs. This will help your body to use oxygen more efficiently and ultimately improve the quality of your breathing. Walking and cycling are examples of aerobic exercise that is good for people with COPD.


Improving lung function may be done by doing special physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle. One important thing to note is that you must maintain the right position when doing the exercises. To learn it, maybe you can ask for help from a professional coach. Don't forget to balance it with a healthy lifestyle so that your lung function can show positive improvement.

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