The lungs are the transfer point of oxygen from the outside world to the interior of the body. Equally as important is the lungs' role in ridding the body of excess levels of carbon dioxide. Therefore, lung expansion--increasing the volume of air the lungs can hold when fully expanded--is often a desirable goal.
Chest Expansion
Any exercise that expands the ribcage will also result in lung expansion. One such exercise is basic deep breathing. Stand with your feet and shoulders the same width apart, your arms relaxed and your hands at your sides. In a single motion, rise up on your toes, then bring your arms straight out in front of you before bringing them upward, outward, and backward while leaning back slightly and inhaling deeply. Slowly exhale while returning to the start position. Repeat 20 times.
Deep Breathing
Posture is the most vital element in properly performing deep-breathing exercises. People naturally tend to slouch when seated in a chair, so make a conscious effort to keep the torso erect while sitting on the ground. Exhale completely through your mouth. Breathe in slowly through your nose while pushing the belly outward. Visualize yourself filling your body with air from bottom to top. Hold your breath for two to five seconds, then slowly breathe out through your mouth while drawing your stomach back in. Exhalation is a little longer than inhalation. You can also do this exercise lying on your back.
Yoga
Breathing exercises represent one of yoga's most vital elements and are collectively termed "Pranayama." There is "high breathing," which entails raising the ribs, collarbone and shoulders; "low breathing," the chief feature of which is moving the abdomen in and out and which is much more effective than high breathing; "middle breathing," which combines elements of both high and low breathing, but is shallower and involves sideways chest expansion; and the complete breath, the aim of which is to expand the lungs to their true maximum through a combination of high and low breathing, which actively engages the most forceful components of each in the ribs, collarbone, shoulder and belly.
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