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Over the last couple of winters, every time i get a cold or cough it would end up as a chest infection, to the point where i was given steroid inhaler. Using this and upping my exercise (to lose weight, gain fitness also) means that my lung capacity has gone up from terrible 440 to 680 on the gauge thing they use.
My lungs still feel like they are the weak link though especially when exercising in cold weather.
Anyone used a Powerbreathe, seem them advertised with the usual medical claims behind them, but are they just a gizmo or worth using?
Also, anyone read this book by the lady behind the science of Powerbreathe?
I have one and use it periodically, usually as part of more intensive training. I do notice in an improvement quite quickly (as it gets comfortable I increase the setting on a regular basis.)
I tend to stop after 6-8 weeks, never sure whether its because I level off or just get bored of the routine.
I've also used it as a warm up device to get the lungs going and it's excellent as that.
I think they are a pretty good investment, obviously its not going to fix a lifetime of smoking or anything like that, but like any excercise, it makes a difference if you keep at it.
Thanks Tim
Surely the right thing to do is exercise more? I know nothing about Powerbreathe but I view this sort of thing with some degree of skepticism (like the hologram bracelet things)
In fairness, attempts are being and have been made to study them (for example http://repository.leedsmet.ac.uk/main/view_record.php?identifier=2270&SearchGroup=research) and they do seem like more than pure woo... I am in no way endorsing them though.
Just checked the powerbreathe website, the specific model I use is now called Classic (HR), at the time I bought it only the classic existed. It's stronger than a peakflow meter and very easy to clean (wash in hot soapy water and leave to drain / dry).
Can't comment on the other models (but I'm now eyeing up the posh electronic one.)
I'm actually currently off the bike and have been for last 4 weeks following rupturing a tendon in my thumb, so I have been restricted to exercise/ spin bike and I have been following a structured plan using heart rate monitor with one 3 hour zone 2 ride (v. dull in the gym), one 2 hour zone 3 ride and 2-3 one hour long rides with max heart rate intervals in the first 30 minutes. So my fitness has come on and i intend to keep at the same regime on the actual bike when i can.
I'm not a racer really, but enjoy trying to get fitter and enjoy my riding more when I am fit, what i was seeking to get from the Powerbreathe was just extra assistance in strengthening my lungs as i'd rather being using that then steroid inhalers all the time.
I've got one (won it as a prize years ago, it's the top model for "serious athletes" apparently).
Used it a few times then it got thrown into the sock drawer...
I just found it too dull to use, tbh. Not unpleasant enough to be interesting, and too involved to be done with something else going on.
Ventilation is never the rate limiting step in exercise....
Would it have any assistance to an asthmatic or those with lung problems though?
There are a couple of studies showing that it does lead to some improvement in lung function in those with chronically ****ed lungs. But we are talking reasonably seriously knackered.
plus all the research I could find last time I checked this subject out had been carried out by guys employed by or sponsored by powerbreathe..... Read into that what you will.
We looked at one but decided there are other areas of our training that could be improved and have more beneficial affect. If you already have strict, regimented and progressive training plan, have good diet, get enough sleep and do all the things you should, then yes it's beneficial for sure.
I always thought about these but even when I'm at max effort it's my legs that pack in not my lungs. I can't see breathing being a limiting factor in generally fit people, surely it's the rate at which glucose is metabolised which is a fair few steps down the chain from the volume of air you can breath in/ co2 out?
Anyone know if they're any good for asthma? Mine is mild but exacerbated by exercise & cold air so it gets worse at this time of year.
No, asthma is an airways problem, these train respiratory muscles, and as stated above ventilation is never the rate limiting step during exercise...
Seriously people, don't bother. The studies are all rubbish (aside from the ones looking at people with seriously gumped lungs, and even they're a bit dubious), they are designed to 'train your respiratory muscles, when was the last time you stopped being able to breath before your legs gave out...
Probably mince as Dr_Death says. I have never in my life got higher than a 450 on my peak flow.
Always (since i can remember) used inhalers and always suffered from bad coughs, colds, chest infections etc. I stopped taking my inhalers about 18months ag (against doctors recommendations) and never been better. I feel like i can last longer before i have to give up. I don't get wheezy and i don't seem to get ill. odd.
Kind irrelevant info really but inhalers may not be the answer to everything.