Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Becoming A Better Athlete With Lung Training

By Chris Channing

Lung training is the act of using a special device to increase the capacity of the lungs. This may seem rather docile in terms of physical effect, but it has some impressive studies behind it that show that it has been able to increase overall physical competitive ability by quite a bit. In addition, there are no negative side effects to currently speak of, like other alternatives.

When we breathe in and out, there are two important processes being done. First, the body is resupplying itself with oxygen stores. As we exhale, toxins are being released that the body doesn't need to have lingering around. As a result of the lung training exercises, studies show that test subjects were able have a larger lung capacity. As a result, they were better able to supply themselves with oxygen and rid themselves of toxins.

Before dismissing the act of lung training as a false science, consider that studies have been done over a six month period to verify the ability of lung training to benefit athletes. Science News Online published an article in 2005 that detailed a six-month experiment in which test subjects were noted on their athletic ability over the period of time. By the end of the test, the average subject saw a 10% increase in overall improvement in performing exercises.

A normal workout is done based on resisting the body's ability to do something. Lifting weights, for instance, resists one's muscles to make them more able to lift heavy weights in the future. This is the same principle that is being used in lung training. Air coming in through a device is resisted against, thus making it harder for the subject to breathe. In increasing the strength of their lungs and their lung capacity, subjects are able to outperform others in physically stressing situations.

Athletes aren't the only ones who are taking part in this device. Some professions will actually stress the need of such training for employees- such as divers who may have to rely on strong breathing ability to do their jobs underwater. Even singers are making use of such devices to help them take in more air at once, and to hold notes longer by having a larger lung capacity.

The average device for lung training is fairly cheap. It is common to pay around $100 for the typical model, with prices varying based upon extras or lack thereof. Most may be found in sports stores, but do check online for a wider selection as these devices have not yet gone mainstream. This gives even more opportunity to gain an edge over competitors.

Closing Comments

It's best to consult a physician or personal trainer for specific information on how lung trainers work, and to see if they are right for you. The average lung training device is also $100, depending on model and specific usage, so they are considered to be fairly inexpensive routes of improving one's athletic ability. - 15438

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