Can Exercise Help Strengthen My Lungs?

Millions of people in the U.S. with chronic lung conditions struggle to breathe. Breathing problems and muscle fatigue can make physical exertion especially challenging for people with lung disease. While exercise won't make your lungs stronger, it can strengthen muscles that may help people with chronic lung problems build stamina and breathe a little easier.

Effects

Aerobic activities such as walking and swimming keep your arms and legs moving, which boosts oxygen levels in your blood and increases your heart rate. A faster heart rate steps up blood flow to your muscles and back to your lungs, according to the Mayo Clinic. Enhanced blood flow decreases the production of lactic acid, which is a chemical that forms in the muscles when they don't get enough oxygen. A buildup of lactic acid forces you to breathe harder to supply oxygen to your muscles.

COPD

Regular exercise can help diminish symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Emphysema patients are encouraged to walk three to four times per day for short periods of five to 15 minutes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Performing yoga may strengthen breathing muscles because the discipline centers around stretching poses and breathing techniques that include chest expansion.

Asthma

Exercise, especially swimming, can ease asthma symptoms, which typically include shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. Asthmatics who enjoy running should consider using an indoor track to avoid air pollution and cold temperatures since both can trigger symptoms, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Asthma patients with exercise-induced asthma, or EIA, should engage in activities like football or tennis that require only brief bursts of exercise. EIA occurs when exercise triggers coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath.

Outlook

A regular exercise regimen can improve lung function when you have chronic problems. Moving slowly for the first few minute will stimulate blood flow and warm up your muscles. Pick up your pace to a comfortable level for several minutes. Slow your pace as your activity slows to allow your body to cool down. Exercising three to four times per week for 30 to 45 minutes can be a realistic goal, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center.