Consider the saying, “Spirare est Vivere” (Latin for “To Breathe is To Live”).  Spirare is the root for a number of English words, including respiration, perspiration and aspiration. 

The need to breathe is obvious. The ability to breathe more deeply and to have more wind (ability to breathe in sufficient air) when you need more feels great.

Learn to get out of breath intentionally in a controlled way (not gasping) as you exercise. How deeply can you breathe and still feel comfortable?  Try rowing hard enough to take that one breath per stroke more deeply.  Then try rowing harder still until you feel better taking two breaths per stroke - but still not with a feeling that you are gasping for breath. Look for the limits of your comfort zone with deeper breath.

Better lung power or "wind" is the foundation of better fitness and that translates into yet more effective exercise. It is a cycle you will learn to use to your benefit.