Exercise's impact on the respiratory system Because the muscles work harder during exercise, the body utilizes more oxygen and creates more carbon dioxide. To meet this increased demand, the body responds by breathing deeper and more frequently in order to take in the necessary oxygen. This increase in breathing leads to a corresponding rise in heart rate and blood pressure at which point your body will trigger your brain to signal you that it needs more oxygen. If the exercise is continued long enough, this rising blood pressure and heart rate will fall back down to normal after stopping exercise. The more vigorously one exercises, the faster these rates rise. Therefore, athletes who compete at the highest levels of endurance athletics have respiratory systems that are under considerable stress. In fact, research shows that elite athletes have shorter breath lengths and smaller lung capacity values than non-athletes do. However, their lungs are well developed with greater surface area for gas exchange to occur compared to non-athletes. Respiratory problems due to excessive training or competition There are several diseases and conditions that can cause problems with the respiratory system. Some of the most common include asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and cystic fibrosis. All of these disorders can lead to increased airway resistance, reduced lung elasticity, decreased muscle mass, and reduced airflow.