During the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis, it would be advisable for us to take care of our lungs. As doctors have learned, COVID-19 can cause a range of breathing problems from mild to severe. Keeping our lungs healthy so they function well could help maintain overall health during the epidemic.

Jogging, running, swimming, cycling and other types of aerobic exercises have a positive impact on our lung function.

Ryanto, for example, swims twice a week on his doctor’s advice, and the 30-something feels better, especially when pacing his breathing to swim laps at the pool.

“When I swim, I hold my breath regularly for, say, 15 seconds, and being in a horizontal position helps me [expel] excess mucous from my lungs. I always feel fresh and fit after swimming,” he told The Jakarta Post.

Quoting his doctor, Ryanto said, “‘Swimming regularly allows our heart to become stronger and capable of pumping more blood with each contraction. Our lungs will adapt by learning to absorb more oxygen, and this will also strengthen the muscles in our diaphragm and [along the] ribs that control our breathing.’”

Of the many options of aerobic exercises that we can choose from, several exercises especially stand out as regards to their focus on breathing to improve lung capacity and health.

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