Lungs lose elasticity and become weak from a variety of medical conditions. Surgical interventions that required lung deflation, emphysema, diabetes and other pulmonary diseases can impair lung function. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also called COPD, and other pulmonary disorders cause shortness of breath, inability to exercise, wheezing and coughing. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, regular exercises can help to restore lung functions in most patients. Follow your doctor's orders and increase the intensity of your workouts as your physician and physical therapist advise.
Walking
Walking is one of the most effective exercises to restore lung function and build endurance, according to doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Patients recovering from a recent surgery or other trauma should start slowly, walking for about five minutes three times a day. Canes, walkers and other assistive devices should be used if you're unsteady. As you build endurance, you can increase the length of your walks until you reach 30 minutes in one stretch. Begin adding speed and resistance to your walks by walking up hills and steps. Build in a walking routine four or five times a week.
Breathing
A number of controlled breathing techniques are designed to build lung function, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Pursed lip breathing is one of the most common. The exercise is ideal for patients not quite ready to start an exercise routine as it strengthens the small airways that typically become the weakest. To start, breathe in through your nose, filling your diaphragm. You should feel your abdomen expand as you draw in air to a count of six. Keep your lips together and squeeze out the air in a hissing sound to exhale. The exhalation should be twice as long to release carbons. Count to 12 as you exhale. Wait a few seconds and repeat 10 times. Release phlegm that may be lodged in your airways by coughing the air out instead of hissing.
Aerobics
The goal of lung rehabilitation is to restore patients to their previous levels of abilities in all areas of exercise. To help rebuild endurance, cardiovascular exercises should be included once you've developed the balance and energy to perform them, according to the Lake Charles Memorial Health System. Safe aerobics for rehabilitation include cardio workout machines found in most gyms and rehab centers. Spend 20 to 30 minutes, three times a week on a stationary bike, treadmill or elliptical training machine. Build up time, speed and resistance as your lungs become stronger.
