Lung volume indicates the amount of air that can move in and out of your lungs during normal breathing. An increased in lung volume will bring more life-giving oxygen to your blood and remove more wastes from your blood as you breathe. Try a few exercises to increase your lung volume.
Diaphragm Breathing
Your diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle below your lungs. As you breathe, your diaphragm moves up and down to make room for air in your lungs. This exercise is recommended by the Cleveland Clinic to help you use your diaphragm correctly.
Lie on your back with your knees bent. Place one hand on your upper chest and the other just below your rib cage. Breathe in slowly through your nose and feel your stomach moving out against your hand. Keep the hand on your chest as still as possible. Exhale with your lips pursed, as if you're whistling, and feel your stomach moving back in. Again, the hand on your chest moves as little as possible. After you are comfortable with diaphragm breathing while lying down, try it while sitting in a chair.
Pursed-Lip breathing
This exercise makes your breathing more effective by slowing the pace and keeping your airways open longer. By prolonging your exhalation, pursed-lip breathing moves old air out and brings fresh, new air into your lungs. It relieves shortness of breath and decreases the work of breathing.
Inhale slowly through your nose for two counts, with your mouth closed. Pucker or "purse" your lips as if you were whistling. Exhale slowly through your pursed lips while counting to four. Practice the technique a few times each day, to get the correct breathing patterns.
Get Moving
To keep your heart and lungs fit with aerobic exercise. Fast-moving activity forces your heart and lungs to work harder than when you are at rest.
Aerobic exercise includes activities like brisk walking, running, cycling, swimming, dancing, or playing basketball. Most guidelines recommend 2 hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise, or 1 hour and 15 minutes a week of vigorous intensity.
Recommendations
If you have any health concerns, check with your health-care provider about the types and amounts of exercises that are appropriate for you.
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