Before you read this, take a deep breath - now breathe out. Don’t you feel better?
Breathing is one of the most important yet simple things you can do to be healthy and safe during a workout. But most of us forget to breathe when we are exercising. YMCA Health and Fitness Specialist, Paul Skuza, shows us just how effective breathing can help your workout routine.
“When you exercise, your muscles need more oxygen and create more carbon dioxide, so your body automatically increases your respiration rate,” says Skuza. Trained athletes are taught to keep their respiration rate down. You can do the same with a simple talk test. “Next time you’re on a treadmill or a run, see if you can talk. If you can - even if it’s a bit choppy, you’re in a safe heart rate zone. Keep yourself in this modest heart rate zone, you’ll burn calories and get a good workout,” Skuza suggests.
Proper breathing can also help you achieve your fitness goals. “When you get into a breathing rhythm, you want a pace that won’t shock your cardio system. If you’re breathing uncontrollably, you’re going to gas out soon. If you set a good pace from the beginning you won’t exhaust yourself before your set is complete,” says Skuza.
Breathing comes naturally to us all - we don’t even notice we’re doing it. Being mindful of your breathing and having a proper routine is key to getting the most out of your workouts. To learn more about breathing while exercising check out Paul’s video.
