Your respiratory system is the part of your body that provides you with the oxygen you need for daily survival. It includes your lungs, trachea, nose and mouth, as well as the muscular diaphragm in the bottom of your chest cavity. When you perform aerobic exercises, your respiratory system increases its activity to provide you with enough oxygen to support your physical activity.
Respiratory System
When you breathe in, oxygen in the air enters your nose or mouth and passes downward through your trachea, also called the wind pipe. At its lower end, your trachea splits into two passageways called bronchi. Each of these pathways then enters a single lung and forms smaller passageways called bronchial tubes. In turn, your bronchial tubes divide into smaller tubes that attach to tiny sacs called alveoli. When you inhale, oxygen passes into your lungs and fills your alveolar sacs. This oxygen is then absorbed into your bloodstream through minute blood vessels around the alveoli called capillaries.
Adjustments During Exercise
When you engage in aerobic exercise, increased activity in your muscle tissue triggers a rising demand for oxygen, which your body uses to burn its energy sources. To meet this rising demand, your respiratory system has to increase its oxygen intake. It achieves this goal by strengthening contractions in your diaphragm and forcing you to pull in more air with each breath. Contractions in your diaphragm also happen more quickly, leading to an increase in your breathing rate. The overall effect of this process is heightened oxygen exchange in your alveoli and larger amounts of oxygen in your bloodstream.
Long-term Effects
If you stress your respiratory system regularly during exercise, you will increase your lungs' ability to pull in oxygen efficiently. Athletes also use exercise-related changes in their respiratory systems to improve their performances during training and game or competition environments. Because aerobics also require increased activity in your heart and blood vessels, regular aerobic exercise will strengthen these structures, as well. In combination, these improvements will help increase your body's oxygen levels, improve your stamina and reduce your risks for various forms of heart disease.
Considerations
Common options for exercises that improve your respiratory function include fast walking, bicycling, rowing, stair climbing, cross-country skiing, swimming, aerobic dancing, elliptical training, rowing, jogging and running. Typically, you will need to exercise aerobically for at least 30 minutes most days of the week to gain the full lung and heart benefits of your activities. However, if you're new to exercise, start with five or 10 minutes of exercise per day and build your stamina up gradually over time. Also, get clearance from your doctor before you begin your exercise program.
