What to doand what not to doto fortify those lungs during flu season (or any season).
Here are five ways to keep your lungs strong and healthy at all times.
Exercise regularly.
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“[They’re] dependent on the muscles in the chest cave.
To keep those lungs pumping strong we need to keep our muscles in shape.”
“You want to create an aerobic demand,” says personal trainerGunnar Peterson, CSCS, CPT.
“This can beincline walkingor even addinga few aerobic movesto your strength [training].”
But don’t fret if 20 to 30 minutes a day sounds overwhelming.
“Give yourself credit for what you might do,” Peterson says.
“Start slowly and incrementally.”
Work on breathing.
Stress can wreak havoc on our bodies, and that includes our respiratory system.
“In stressful situations we sometimes forget to breathe.”
Here arefive different types of breathing exercisesto venture to help calm your nervous system and exercise your lungs.
Get enough sleep.
With a decreased immune system, we make ourselves more vulnerable to respiratory infections.
Avoid unhealthy habits.
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