Hey folks. I’ve been suffering from the tail end of a minor chesty cold today that made me cut what would have been an awesome ride short today.

My lungs always seem to let me down when riding, but with a bit of mucus in them today I couldn’t get up even the easy hills, felt awful. Guessing, low capacity means that even a bit of crap in there ruins it for me.

Anyone know of any breathing exercises or specific activities to help build up lung strength/capacity?

Cheers, DCG.

Have you tried in AND out?

Pollution mask when commuting will strengthen you lungs

or one of these

Or swim

Or ride more

Train at altitude

Do you suffer with asthma. What is you peak flow?

I go through stages of using my indoor rower. A lot of the professional rowers use “Power Breathe” to improve lung capacity and function. http://www.powerbreathe.com/powerbreathe-categories/sport-fitness/cycling.html

Take up a brass instrument

sounds like a health problem.

Apparently you CAN NOT change your lung capacity, and with age it actually deteriotates.

If you are always having chest problems go and see your GP.