Effects and benefits of exercise to the respiratory system

• Increased number of alveoli means more opportunity for gaseous exchange between the alveoli and the blood
• Increased strength of intercostal muscles which means increased muscle efficiency means more space is created for the lungs to fully inhale
• Increased tidal volume means an overall increase in lung volume so you can take in more air and extract oxygen more efficiently
• vital capacity is the maximum amount of air your lungs can expire after the maximum amount they can inspire
• tidal volume is the amount of air you inspire or expire in a normal breath
• Increased vital capacity means more air can be breathed in and therefore more oxygen for the working muscles