Training your lungs to pump air more efficiently

[blkane]

Most of the time, I struggle through workouts not because I'm reaching muscle fatigue but because I can't seem to get enough oxygen. I'm not sure why I don't breathe efficiently.

Today, I was googling around the web to see if there any articles on this issue. I came across this device from Gaiam called PowerBreathe. Has anyone heard of this product? Or, does anyone know any techniques for improving the efficiency of breathing for fitness?

I appreciate the input.

http://www.heartratemonitor.co.uk/powerbreathe_fitness.html

 

[amyg]

Road Runner Sports www.roadrunnersports.com also has these. I never thought they'd work, so I'm interested too!!

 

[dlavie]

Recently I was in the hospital for surgery, I'm asthmatic and pneumonia was a worry. I was given this device, it was a cylinder with a breathing tube. There was a float in the cylinder. Throughout the days I was supposed to take a series of breathes and then exhale into the tube totally emptying my lungs to push the float up. My lungs actually improved through the stay.

I have to focus on my breathing as I am a mouth breather, I'm nagged at the doctors about in through the nose, out through the mouth.

For an exercise just try doing deep breaths, your lungs don't have any muscles it's all done by the diaphragm.

dave

 

[Miss Lee]

>Recently I was in the hospital for surgery, I'm asthmatic and
>pneumonia was a worry. I was given this device, it was a
>cylinder with a breathing tube. There was a float in the
>cylinder. Throughout the days I was supposed to take a series
>of breathes and then exhale into the tube totally emptying my
>lungs to push the float up. My lungs actually improved
>through the stay.
>
>I have to focus on my breathing as I am a mouth breather, I'm
>nagged at the doctors about in through the nose, out through
>the mouth.
>
>For an exercise just try doing deep breaths, your lungs don't
>have any muscles it's all done by the diaphragm.
>
>dave

Hi Dave,

The device you were given is called an Incentive Spirometer. It's purpose is to expand the alveoli (tiny little air sacs) in the bottom of your lungs thereby preventing complications such as pneumonia. They're handy little devices!

Michele

 

[blkane]

Dave,

Strangely enough, I have one of those devices at home. My youngest son is asthmatic and spent a week in the hospital with pneumonia a few years back. I never thought of using it myself.

The powerbreathe device is supposed to strengthen the muscles around the diaphragm (sp?). Not being an expert on these things, I was wondering if there were opinions out there. Your post makes me wonder if the Powerbreathe device is the same as the hospital device only packaged differently. hmmm

 

[crissytd2005]

I had breathing problems last year. I was given this device and didn't use it. I'm not asthmatic, nor did I have pneumonia-they just gave it to me cause they thought it would help. I just focused on deep breaths throughout the day. I literally take a minute and breathe deep into my diaphragm. My lung capacity has greatly improved. I had a sudden medical condition though. I think you symptoms warrant a visit to your doc.