The Spirometer measures two important numbers: forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity. Keep in mind that numerous conditions and fitness test scores call for special or limited activities. Some people lose vital lung capacity through disease but most decrease their breathing power through lifestyle choices, especially:

(1)     SMOKING, which damages the air sacs and makes it more difficult to load oxygen into the blood.

(2)     INACTIVITY, which weaken muscles essential for expanding the chest cavity - such as the diaphragm - allowing the lungs to take is as much oxygen as possible. Lack of activity also decreases the heart's ability to pump blood back to the lungs, which also affects its function.

The best way to build up the vital capacity of your lungs is by exercising regularly and not smoking. Exercise tones muscles that help the lungs expand efficiently and increases the lungs' production of surfactant, which allows the air sacs to expand more fully.

If you haven't exercised in years, CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN,

start gradually and stick with it.