Emphysema is classified as a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease -- or COPD -- that disrupts breathing patterns, causes shortness of breath and negatively affects lung functioning, according to the Mayo Clinic. Exercises for emphysema concentrate on strengthening your breathing muscles while slowly restoring your breathing and lung functioning to a healthy operating level. Start exercises slowly and mildly for more success. Since your condition differs from other individuals, check with your doctor before starting new exercises.
Lip Pursing
Airways have a tendency to lose tone in patients with pulmonary conditions such as emphysema. Airways in patients with emphysema have a tendency to collapse during exhalation, and lungs are unable to completely empty. Strengthen your airways and prevent this collapse by doing some lip pursing exercises that use controlled, slow exhaling. Start by either sitting upright or lying on your back. Take a deep breath in through your nose for five seconds. Purse your lips as if you are going to whistle. Slowly exhale for 10 seconds while gently blowing the air through your pursed lips. Relax 10 seconds. Practice this breathing exercise five times daily.
Walking
Walking is an ideal exercise for emphysema due to its mild nature and adaptability to your individual level of health, according to the National Emphysema Foundation. As an endurance activity, walking improves lung capacity, enhances blood circulation and oxygen distribution while increasing muscle tone, strength and endurance throughout your body, including your breathing muscles. Better conditioned breathing muscles make performing everyday activities less tiring. Start walking at a slow level, especially if new to exercising. Walk for five minutes to get your body accustomed to moving. Shoot for a goal of walking 150 minutes weekly at a moderately brisk level to receive as many cardiovascular benefits as possible. Increase your speed and duration as you become stronger. Wear well-fitted walking shoes to avoid injury.
Improved Breathing
Pulmonary disorders such as emphysema commonly result in two of your breathing muscles, the diaphragm, losing efficiency and operating improperly. Work on improving your diaphragm function while learning to breathe properly by doing a lower rib expansion. Start by sitting in a firm chair with your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands on your lower ribs. Slowly inhale through your nose and expand your diaphragm so your hands move away from your body. Hold three seconds. Slowly exhale through pursed lips as your hands and diaphragm move back to original position. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat exercise 10 times.
Gentle Chair Stretches
Gently stretching your body to improve mobility plays a key role in physical reconditioning during pulmonary rehabilitation, according to the National Emphysema Foundation. Perform an upper body gentle stretch by sitting upright in a firm chair, according to Sit And Be Fit. Gently lift your upper arms toward the ceiling. Stretch as far as possible while pretending to pick fruit from a tall tree branch. Pick five fruit while bending and stretching your fingers. Slowly return to the original position. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat exercise 10 times. Another exercise option involves standing with your feet shoulder-width apart.
