What is the best technique to build lung capacity?

Question

I am going to be training to be a lifeguard soon.

I have just recently quit smoking, and my lungs aren't quite as good as they used to be.

I was wondering what the best way to build my lung capacity is besides swimming?

Answer 1

I just finished my swim season and improved my lung capacity drastically. Here is a drill, but it is a bit painful and tiring. Swim laps first breathing every 3 strokes say 4 50 meter lengths then try 5, and then 7 if you can eventually see if you can get to 9, do even numbered ones if you do not like breathing from both sides. This make take a little time but it is a definite way to improve your breathing.

Answer 2

Can't get much better than swimming. Lots of singing coaches have their students swim to build lung capacity.

There is a simple little exercise program that helps me. It's Oxycise. It helps my whole body, but during the winter it really helps to keep my lungs working. It only takes 15 minutes a day. One of the persons who has written on their website is a voice coach and she highly recommends it for building lung capacity. Just google "Oxycise." good luck

Answer 3

Ifyou want to be a lifeguard what I would recommend is a work-out called lungbusters. It is sets of 50m. The first 25 of it you try to swim underwater without letting your head break the surface (lung-training). When/if you do break the surface, you either sprint the rest of the 25 or swim fly for the rest. Thenn on the 2nd 25 of it you sprint free-style.

Answer 4

Running is a great way for ex-smokers to increase their lung capacity and function! The aerobic nature of jogging or running is less traumatic to the lungs than swimming because you are able to breathe whenever you need/want to without worrying about interrupting your stroke or rhythm.

In addition to jogging/running, look into breathing exercises used by singers. Their warm ups and breath technique is top-notch for lung expansion and doesn't require a cardio workout.

And finally, breathing exercises done with products such as Powerlung can be beneficial to everyone, not just ex-smokers. (http://us.powerlung.com/en/information/about.htm, http://www.strongerlungs.com/catalog/)

My stepfather died of COPD and I am very familiar with all sorts of lung expansion and breathing exercises (he too was an ex-smoker) and respiratory therapies. You CAN improve lung capacity but it will take time.

Good luck!!!

Answer 5

While in the swimming pool, put on some flippers and swim (only using the flippers) under water for about 25 meters. Then swim using only the flippers for another 25 meters lying on your back and relaxing. Make sure to relax before each time and you ll notice that time after time you can hold your breath for longer. While swimming under water try to be very very relaxed.

A good exercise is to hold your breath between the bus stops or the train stops for example.

Answer 6

well i don't know but if you are swimming try to swim under water for a whole lap it will get easier and easier also good job quitting!!! kodus for you so the best of like and i hope lifeguarding is fun

Answer 7

Yoga

Answer 8

play an instrument...trumpet, sax...that will really do the trick.