Breathing Techniques

One of the most important ways to increase your lung capacity is to breathe correctly. Not only should you use breathing techniques when you are undertaking exercise, but also when you’re just simply walking down the street. 

First of all, most people use their shoulders to breathe, rather than breathing through the diaphragm which is more effective in getting more air in. The diaphragm is a circular muscle at the base of the lungs, above the above the abdominal area. It is a more effective way of breathing because the muscles flex the lungs in and out, rather than just the ribcage. Breathing through the diaphragm is a widely used technique used by swimmers, singers, athletes and people suffering panic attacks, it’s also a great way to breathe normally to ingest more oxygen, more easily.

Breathing with your diaphragm is really easy to do, just put your hand on your stomach and try to move it up and down when you breathe in and out. It may take a while to get used to, but you may notice you begin to do it naturally without noticing, as it is your bodies preferred way of oxygen intake. You will find yourself with the ability to walk up more stairs, run longer, and be more relaxed in general.

Another way to optimise your breathing is to AVOID SMOKING! This is incredibly important and I cannot stress it enough, there really is no need for an explanation why you shouldn’t smoke. It will progressively RUIN your lungs PERMANANTLY.