Rest Day
Fitness Challenge – Week 2, Day 14
Healthy Breathing
Exercise Regime
level
min
“Breathe, darn it! Breathe!” You tell your burning lungs mid-workout and, for a moment, wonder if oxygen is that important to your body.
Well, unfortunately, it is. Which is why you want to make sure you get your breathing right from the start. Your body uses more oxygen and produces more carbon dioxide when you exercise, which means it's vital to regulate your breathing to get the best results.
A healthy pair of lungs will help you get further in your exercise regime, while making sure your muscles have the blood flow they need to keep going.
Remember to inhale through your nose and exhale out through your mouth as you exercise. DON’T hold your breath as this can cause your blood pressure to rise, which could result in dizziness, nausea or even a heart attack. Rather take consistent and even inhales and exhales throughout the workout.
Keep in mind that smoking has a major negative impact on your lung capacity and health, preventing you from reaching your full physical potential. You’ll be able to exercise for longer as quickly as two weeks after your last cigarette.
Finally, it’s always good to know the difference between “out of breath” and “short of breath”. It’s normal to be out of breath after a workout, which can be resolved by a few deep breaths. Shortness of breath will feel like you’ve depleted your breathing reserve and are unable to replenish it.
Remember to speak with a qualified practitioner if any symptoms linger.
