The Balloon Exercise for Strengthening Lungs

Another great option for lung exercise if you find that you have weak lungs/breathing but cannot walk or perform other exercises due to other health issues like arthritis in the knees, sprained ankle, or you are simply temporarily quarantined. You can exercise your lungs with a large rubber party balloon (12-14" recommended for adults).
EXERCISE: Take a deep breath in and blow ALL of your breath out into your balloon, pinching your balloon closed with your fingers when your through. Keep the air in your balloon. Take another deep breath in, and blow ALL of your second breath into your balloon, pinching the balloon closed when your through. Keep the air in the balloon. If your balloon is large enough, repeat one more time with one more deep breath. Ideally you should be able to fill your balloon with 3 large breaths (the more air in the balloon, the more resistance you will get).
If you can fill your balloon 3 times, repeat the above series 3 times, then rest. If you can only fill your balloon with two breaths, repeat the above series 4 times. It is recommended that individuals with weak lungs begin this exercise routine sitting. If you can complete this exercise without getting light headed or dizzy, to increase difficulty, you may try to blow up to balloon while standing (ensuring you do not bend forward to help expel your full breath).
The goal in this is to strengthen the diaphragm muscle that sits under the lungs, and also the intercostal muscles, all of which help with inspiration of air into, and expiration of air out of the lungs.
NOTICE: Please remember that we are not here to diagnose, cure, or prescribe for any illness or disease. Any recommendations provided herein are intended for educational purposes only. If you are in need of medical care, please contact your primary care provider.
This exercise is designed to strengthen breathing PRIOR to respiratory illness setting in and may not be advisable once illness has set in. Please consult your doctor to determine if this exercise is appropriate if you have fallen ill.