Breathing is important. Before you go “Tell me something I don’t know!”, we must realize that how we breathe is just as important as breathing itself. That applies to everyday life, and especially during a workout.
Imagine your body as a vehicle. The oxygen that you breathe in is the fuel that keeps your body moving. The more movement you make, the more oxygen you need. Proper breathing can increase your stamina and help you perform and recover better.1
Here are some breathing techniques for a more effective workout.
Engage your diaphragm
Diaphragmatic breathing involves breathing in slowly through your nose and letting the air fill up your abdomen, as opposed to your chest. Breathe out slowly as your tummy contracts. This type of breathing brings in more oxygen to your body, compared to shallow breathing, which takes place only in the chest.1 It is particularly useful for cardio workout.2
Control your breaths
For strength training, the rule of thumb is to exhale during the tough part and inhale as you return to your starting position.3 The reason is that as you exhale and push the air out, your core tightens which gives you power and stability.
Don’t hold your breath
The important thing is don’t hold your breath (literally), as it could lead to a major drop in blood pressure which could cause dizziness afterwards. Exhaling can prevent that from happening as it releases pressure from your system.1
Start paying attention to your breathing today and feel the difference that it makes to your workout performance!
Sources
- https://www.self.com/story/how-to-breathe-during-a-workout. Viewed on 9 Oct 2018.
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/fitness/exercise-tips-here-s-why-breath-is-the-most-important-thing-during-workout/story-HoykP1v4BbQARRdN9GBLxK.html. Viewed on 9 Oct 2018.
- https://www.sharecare.com/health/strength-training/proper-way-breathe-strength-training. Viewed on 9 Oct 2018.
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