Work out your lungs the way you work out your body.
Whether you're an avid runner or the guy who's just decided to get off the couch, lung capacity is on your mind. If you do not have a medical condition that compromises your lung function, improving your lung capacity is possible. But how do you work out your lungs? Just like your body's various muscle groups, your lungs need to be conditioned gradually and fed the proper nutrition for optimum performance.
Instructions
1. Check your posture. Sitting and standing up straight will give your diaphragm the most room possible to expand, allowing you to take deeper breaths that better oxygenate your blood.
2. Focus on endurance, not speed. Incorporating distance workouts into your running routine will allow you to condition your lungs to more rapidly process oxygen for longer periods of time. In addition, working out more frequently will condition the lungs even further. Try to run at least three times per week.
3. Breathe deeply. Regularly take time to practice deep breathing exercises, or "yoga breaths." As a general guideline, breathe in for four counts, then exhale for at least four counts, or until your lungs are completely empty. Deeper breathing also helps to ensure you are breathing from your diaphragm during runs, which will help build up endurance.
4. Vary your exercise routine. In addition to running, try swimming, plyometrics and weightlifting -- any exercises that will help strengthen the lungs.
5. Improve your overall health. Eat properly, quit smoking, and refrain from drinking too much alcohol. Together, all of these actions will improve lung capacity as well as running performance.
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