I was wondering if any of you lovely people do breathing exercises to strengthen the lungs?
I bought a contraption on Amazon after watching two doctors on youtube talk about this breathing exercise device that helps strengthen the lungs and improve oxygen flow. I did go through a phase of blowing up balloons ( crazy, I know)
The best exercise for me I also got from youtube and that was running as fast as you can on the spot for 2 minutes than do a minute of jumping jacks then back to running on the spot as fast as you can for another 2 minutes and so on. I felt so good doing this and I thought it really helped my lungs, especially clearing them.
What do you do?
Christine
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SkyGazer177
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Pete has a contraption he breathes into that the hospital gave him last month when he was an in patient. He has to breathe in and keep a little plastic ball between two points. He gets on ok with it which is good as he could never run on the spot. Xxx
Do you have COPD or some other lung disease? I think most people with COPD would have trouble running as fast as they can for two minutes and then do a minute of jumping jacks and then go back to running again.
I was diagnosed with mild Emphysema and Bronchiectasis towards end of 2020. I had caught Covid in March 2020, which affected my lungs and eyesight. I smoked for 47 years before I managed to kick it in 2019. Despite smoking 15 rollies a day, I used to do high impact aerobics for 30 minute every other day ( I was addicted to it as much a s the fags) I could still do the exercise routine right up to when I caught Covid and I was 63 at the time, not anymore though. The consultant at the hospital told me that he thought my doing keep fit for all those years when I was smoking, stopped my condition from being worse. My dad had emphysema which was very bad as he was on oxygen and died at the age of 69. My dad also had Rheumatoid Arthritis and was bedridden for the last few years of his life ( it haunts me), Although, I drive, if possible I walk everywhere, If the weather is good for me, I can easily walk 8 or 9 miles and it is generally, my joints that ache. When I had my Labrador Lucy, we would go for walks for over 3 hours, I put my music on and walk for miles. I have had some scary moments with bouts of not being able to breath, and on one occasion called 999 for help as I thought i was going to kick the bucket. Just this week, I had an "out of the blue" 30 odd minutes or so struggling to breath that scared the life out of me. I cant be near candles or some cleaning sprays, strong perfume and cigarette smoke as all makes my airways close up. Sending you best wishes, Christine
I think you are right that your previous physical activity was a big part of you only having mild COPD and keeping as physical as you can now can only help your condition.
Hi. I run a singing for lung health group every week for an hour on Wednesday afternoons, which is great fun but also good exercise for the lungs, helping people breathe from the diaphragm and learn how to control the muscles involved in breathing.
Walking is very good exercise. In addition to blowing up balloons, I find using Ultrabreathe good for lung strengthening exercises. Can be bought on Amazon for under £13. If a problem with the mouthpiece I bought from Powerbreathe a separate smaller mouthpiece ( under £5 ) which fits onto Ultrabreathe.
In addition to singing or even just humming, I go to the gym weekly following an exercise program from an NHS referral ( pulmonary rehab) which has amazed me at my age that I can get fitter and so breathe better!
The Asthma and Lung website also have exercises you can follow good luck and keep plodding on! x
I hope my comment does not make it sound as though I find it easy, cos I dont. I huff and puff like crazy but once i get into I find my breathing is easier and my lungs clear of all the muck on chest.
I also have Emphysema severe, my dad and brother also had it, my dad passed away when he was 60 my brother78. I wish I could walk 300 yards ,I have portable oxygen, go to rehab classes and am now being considered for Lung reduction. I have a wonderful family that encoutage me , so I wish you all the best, I know what it's like to be extremely breathless. Take care of yourself.
i ive just finished a rehab course and i didn’t really feel the benefit much of doing physical exercises i’m 62 and sometimes just climbing stairs does me in ! but i do without doubt benefit from breathing exercises ! i also see a physio at the hospital who had given me various breathing exercises to do as well …. i also read about balloon therapy (blowing them up ) and he agreed that they are good for expanding the lungs ……i have severe emphysema , asthma & hyper inflated lungs .when i haven’t done any for a couple of days i notice the difference with my breathing and it kicks starts me off again ……..there’s no way i can run i can just manage walking on a treadmill for 5 mins but everyone’s different .12” balloons works for me !
Most of us just shallow breathe using only the top of lungs. I regularly do deep diaphragm breathing (see youtube) to exercise the lungs & diaphragm - which is a muscle - it calms & reduces stress too. I used to use it for meditation, it's brilliant. I'll also use pursed lip breathing a lot when walking, especially on inclines. P
PS your HIT training is great too but for those of us less fit we can adjust it to our own abilities .....even when sofa bound!
I go to a Strength and Balance class, the trainer is excellent & has some videos on youtube
I'll have to delete my replies in a bit as this is an unlocked post, open to the whole World Wide Web 🙄
\yes. I can see that now by reading some of the comments. I am sorry if I upset anyone, it was not intentional. I go made like crazy with workouts etc, mainly because my dad's emphysema deteriorated very quickly. He was diagnosed with the disease when he was just 60 and died from it at 69. It is always on mind, that mine too can progress quickly, especially as I get bad colds that go into my chest. My HIT exercises are not a piece of cake and if it came across like that, than I am sorry. No, it is damn hard but my lungs do feel better after doing it they feel much clearer. Take care and all the best to you.
Don't worry, not offended in the least, I used to daily swim 25 Olympic sized lengths before work and was probably an exercise bunny myself., before my asthma took a big downturn that is. A lot of members here have more severe lung disease and star jumps are now a dream (or perhaps a nightmare 🤔 😳)! and perhaps not heard of HIT. Personally I'm an advocate of Dr Michael Moseley who rates it highly. My version of HIT is dancing around the kitchen for 3 minutes or marching on the spot for as long as I can. Keep at it but do take it easy if havingan exacerbation or infection!
Gd 4 u if Yr up to doing such vigorous exercise.many of us with advanced disease can't any more.breathing exercises r really good for inflating the 🫁 x
Sorry, Patk. I am dreadring this disease getting worse and tha tis why I go like crazy with the exercises now while the emphysema is still considered mild. Wishing u all the best
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