LUNG HEALTH AND AEROBIC EXERCISE.
Maintain your aerobic capacity.
Improving Lung Health Through Aerobic Exercise
Breathing easy is something many of us take for granted, until it becomes difficult. Whether you're managing a chronic respiratory condition or simply want to improve your fitness, aerobic exercise plays a vital role in maintaining and improving lung health. At JY Exercise Physiology, I help clients strengthen their lungs, increase stamina, and breathe better through structured, evidence-based exercise programs.
Why Lung Health Matters
Your lungs supply oxygen to every cell in your body, fuelling your muscles, brain, and organs. Healthy lungs support endurance, energy, and resilience. But conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even general deconditioning can reduce lung function, making everyday tasks harder.
While medications and breathing techniques help manage symptoms, one of the most powerful ways to improve respiratory function is through regular aerobic activity.
What is Aerobic Exercise ?
Aerobic (or cardio) exercise involves rhythmic, continuous movement that raises your heart rate and breathing rate over an extended period. It trains your heart and lungs to work more efficiently, helping your body use oxygen more effectively.
Examples include:
Walking or brisk walking
Cycling
Swimming
Dancing
Jogging
Low-impact cardio classes
How Aerobic Exercise Improves Lung Function
1. Strengthens the Respiratory Muscles
Aerobic activity improves the strength and endurance of your diaphragm and intercostal muscles (those between your ribs), making it easier to take deeper, more effective breaths.
2. Increases Lung Capacity
Regular aerobic exercise helps expand your lung volume and improves how well your lungs can take in and distribute oxygen.
3. Improves Circulation
Exercise enhances blood flow, helping oxygen travel more efficiently to your tissues and muscles.
4. Reduces Breathlessness
As your fitness improves, you may experience less shortness of breath during daily activities.
5. Clears Airway Mucus
Exercise can help loosen mucus in the lungs, especially in people with chronic lung conditions, making it easier to cough up and clear out.
6. Boosts Immune Function
Physical activity supports a stronger immune system, which can help prevent respiratory infections.
Getting Started Safely
If you have a lung condition, it’s important to start with a tailored plan. Working with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist helps ensure your program is safe and effective.
Tips for Safe Aerobic Exercise:
Start Slow: Begin with short sessions and build gradually.
Pace Yourself: Listen to your body and rest as needed.
Warm Up and Cool Down: Prepare your lungs and heart for exercise.
Use Breathing Techniques: Learn pursed-lip or diaphragmatic breathing to improve breath control.
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can thicken mucus in the airways.
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on breathlessness, fatigue, or wheezing.
How Much Exercise Is Enough ?
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, spread over most days. This can be broken into 10–30 minute sessions depending on your tolerance.
When to Seek Support
If you:
Have a chronic lung condition (COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis)
Are recovering from illness or deconditioning
Want to improve your breathing capacity
Feel limited by breathlessness or fatigue
Take the First Step Toward Better Breathing
At JY Exercise Physiology, we design personalised exercise programs for lung health based on your medical history, symptoms, and goals. We can also liaise with your GP or specialist for coordinated care.
Lung health isn’t just about medication, it’s about movement. With the right plan, you can breathe easier, feel stronger, and enjoy a better quality of life.
Contact me today to start your journey.
Located in Upper Mount Gravatt and speak with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist now to discuss how I can facilitate your needs.
Feel free to explore our other blogs to learn more and gain additional insights.
Call +61 421 967 711
