Regular exercises have following effects on respiratory system:
(i) Increase in size of lungs and chest: When a person performs exercise regularly, he requires more amount of oxygen. He inhales more amount of air during exercise. Gradually in a long period, the size of his lungs and chest increases.
(ii) Increase in residual air volume: Residual air is that amount of air, which is left in the lungs after exhalation. If an individual performs regular exercise, his residual air capacity increases in comparison to an individual who does not perform regular exercise.
(iii) Strong will-power: Regular exercises increase will-power of the individual. As Pranayama, i.e. specific exercise for lungs, increases the will-power of the doer.
(iv) Unused alveolus become active: Regular exercise activates the unused alveolus, because much amount of oxygen, is required in vigorous and prolonged exercise of daily routine. The passive’ alveolus become active.
(v) Decrease in rate of respiration: Itis certain that when a beginner starts exercise, his rate of respiration increases. But when the same individual performs exercise daily, his rate of respiration decreases in comparison to the beginning stage at rest.
(vi) Avoids second wind: For a beginner, the stage of second wind is, indeed, a crucial stage. But for a regular exerciser, it is hardly felt. Sometimes, a well-experienced athlete does not feel it in his course of activity.
(vii) Increase in tidal air capacity: Tidal air is the amount of air that flows in and out of the lungs in each quiet respiratory movement. But tidal air capacity is the amount of air that can be breathed in and breathed out, over and above the tidal air by the deepest possible inspiration/expiration respectively.
(viii) Strengthens diaphragm and muscles: Regular exercise strengthens the diaphragm and the muscles of the chest.
(ix) Increase in endurance: If exercise is performed regularly and for a longer period, it increases endurance. An activity can be done for a longer period without taking any rest. Those who do not perform exercise, have less endurance. They cannot continue exercise for a long duration.
Hence, it can be alluded that exercise increases the endurance of an individual.
