Powerlung - Get Fit Without Getting Off The Sofa?

Photo: Amazon.com

Who says you need to move to increase your aerobic capacity? Most people would argue that getting off the couch is an essential part of getting fit, but the makers of a product called Powerlung say you can increase your athletic prowess off the field -- just by blowing into an odd-looking inhaler device. OK, to be fair, Powerlung doesn't promise it'll help you drop a few inches or develop an eight-pack, but it does offer to help you breathe easier, whether for long runs or short trips up the stairs. Sounds like an interesting proposition, no?

Powerlung is based on the idea that your lungs, much like your quads or triceps, need to be worked out, too. Experts argue that even seasoned athletes often only use 10 to 20 percent of their breathing capacity, and this can slow us down over time -- by a lot. What's more, studies from the University of Arizona showed that cyclists who underwent respiratory muscle training saw a 12-percent increase in their endurance capacity, so it seems that working your lung muscles does pay off.

Experts agree. "This particular device works on the principle of voluntarily working specific respiratory muscles. Does it work? The noted research on their website looks valid," says Frank B. Wyatt, associate professor in the department of kiniesiology at Midwestern State University. "As an exercise physiologist, it seems to me to be a viable tool for increasing respiratory muscle conditioning and thus leading to a level of enhanced performance," he adds.

OK, but will it work for you? Most of the online reviews are positive -- Nate Millado said twice-weekly powerlung sessions gave him "the most powerful yawn this side of Masterpiece Theatre." And Matt Fitzgerald of Triathlon Magazine noted, "Within a matter of days I began to notice a training effect," but adds, "I still can't say I've noticed an obvious improvement in my running performance resulting directly from [it.]" Dale R. Wagner, associate professor of exercise physiology at Utah State University, points out, "respiratory muscle training is somewhat controversial and more research is needed to determine whether and how much training the respiratory muscles actually influences aerobic activity."

The verdict? It can't hurt, but don't expect it to turn you into an expert marathoner overnight. If you're interested in picking one up, you can get it from Amazon for around $94.

But no matter what, don't neglect exercise -- it will help you live longer!