|
Breathing Resistance Exercise
The flow of air in and out of the alveoli is called ventilation and has two stages: inspiration (or inhalation) and expiration (or exhalation). To accomplish this, the whole thorax moves and changes size, due to the action of two sets of muscles: the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm. These are the muscles that are strengthened by using the Expand-A-Lung Breathing Resistance Exerciser.
Inspiration (Inhaling) with resistance:
- The diaphragm contracts and flattens downwards
- The external intercostal muscles contract, pulling the ribs up and out
- The volume of the thorax increases
- More air is delivered deeper into the lungs
- The lung and alveoli volume increases
- More oxygen is absorbed
Expiration (Exhaling) with resistance:
- The abdominal muscles contract, pushing the diaphragm upwards
- The internal intercostal muscles contract, pulling the ribs downward
- This gives a larger and faster expiration
- More CO2 is expulsed
In essence, you inhale more oxygen, and you exhale more carbon dioxide. The result is a substantial improvement in shortness of breath and endurance through better breathing. All is done naturally, with the help of the Expand-A-Lung Breathing Resistance Exerciser.
|
