Breathe deep and build endurance with a little help
One thing that many free divers (divers who don’t use air tanks), opera singers and Lance Armstrong have in common is strong respiratory muscles, which give their lungs ample oxygen-gathering capacity. Strong lungs can make any physical endeavor, from walking up a hill to running a marathon, a little bit easier. And there’s a simple, effective tool to help develop your lungs: a lung trainer. When used a few minutes a day, these compact resistance devices -- versions of which are commonly used for medical purposes -- can strengthen breathing muscles and build endurance. They also can be used as a warmup before a workout. Here are four models that will help you breathe easier.
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Resistance is not futile
PowerLung: The fanciest of the respiratory trainers. It restricts air flow with an adjustable, spring-loaded valve.
Likes: The one-piece unit is said to strengthen inhalation and exhalation muscles; building the latter is helpful for swimmers and wind-instrument musicians. Resistance is easily adjusted by rotating a marked dial. Includes an instructional CD.
Dislikes: Expensive. Also, at 8 inches in length, it is less compact than the other models reviewed here.
Price: Three models, ranging in price from $65 to $115. (800) 903-3087; www.powerlung.com.
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Inhale, exhale, repeat
Expand-A-Lung: Low-cost version that has a similar inhalation-exhalation function as the PowerLung, but with a simpler design.
Likes: One-piece unit with single resistance-adjuster dial. Lightweight.
Dislikes: None
Price: $22.95. (800) 310-1774, access code 77; www.expand-a-lung.com.
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Easy to use
DHD Inspiratory Muscle Trainer: Inhalation trainer. Was originally used for surgery patients.
Likes: Simple, easy-to-adjust resistance.
Dislikes: Unlike the previous two trainers, does not have exhalation resistance. Multiple parts may be misplaced.
Price: $18.95. (877) 800-847-8000; www.dhd.com/catalog/respiratory/muscle.asp.
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Easy to carry
The Sports Breather: Sleek, ultralight inhalation-exhalation trainer.
Likes: Separate resistance dials for inhalation and exhalation functions.
Dislikes: None
Price: $29.95. (877) 419-1729; www.health-fitness-center.com.
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-- Roy M. Wallack