Why proper breathing during exercise is important – Know some expert tips to get enough oxygen Why proper breathing during exercise is important – Know some expert tips to get enough oxygen

 Breathing is fundamental to life. However, complications such as asthma, lung disorders, or problems with the olfactory system can interfere with the basic function of life. Breathing exercises are, therefore, not just important to ensure that your body gets enough oxygen at all times, but also because breathing techniques play a major role in how exercise affects your body. This is the reason why controlled breathing during exercises such as Yoga is recommended. Proper breathing during exercise is also extremely important.

Many people can find themselves breathless at the end of a workout, which can not only be discomforting but may also prove dangerous in some cases. Ms Diksha Chhabra, fitness trainer and a sports nutritionist, shares insights on why proper breathing during exercise is important. She also gives some expert tips to ensure healthy breathing, especially at this time when pollution and COVID-19 pose a high risk to overall health.

Why proper breathing during exercise is important

Whether you practice walking, running, swimming, cycling, or resistance training to keep yourself fit, proper breathing is important for exercising safely, comfortably, and effectively.That’s because taking in regular, deep breaths promotes the transfer of oxygen that energize the muscles, and pushing out regular, deep breaths eliminates waste gases such as carbon dioxide.

Although breathing at rest or during exercise is instinctive, there are breathing techniques that can increase your endurance and performance hence leading to quality Workouts. The most important technique for breathing during exercise is to take deep breaths through diaphragm instead of the chest which fills your lungs with air and oxygen that your body needs for exercise.

To know if you are breathing properly from the diaphragm, place your hands on your lower ribs. As you breathe in, you will feel your ribs expansion. As you breathe out, you will feel your ribs deflated.

Tips for breathing properly during exercise

General tips for breathing properly during exercise include:

• It’s important to focus only and only on the exercise while you are performing it. When you do that automatically your breathing gets in sync with the movement.

• Posture of your body is also an important factor. Stand up straight or position yourself to breathe from the diaphragm, Relax and open your chest, lift your chin, breathe in and breathe out evenly and deeply are some of the important things to keep in mind while exercising.

• While performing cardiovascular workout it’s important to breathe through mouth or nose evenly. Don’t skip your breath, make each breath you take in equal to each breath you push out.

• While performing weight training, breath out when you resist or lift the weight and breathe in at the starting position.

• Taking deep breaths in can help stabilize muscles of your abdomen, back, and sides (core muscles) and protect your spine during exertion.

• Adjust your breathing or speed/intensity so that you may breathe in and out at a rate that matches your exercise pace.

Benefits of breathing properly during exercise include:

• Exercising more comfortably, safely, and for longer periods.

• Preventing injuries, spikes in blood pressure/strain on blood vessels, and back pain.

• Increasing blood flow throughout the body.

• Increasing your ability to relax.

• Helping you let go of distractions and stay focused on your exercise.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.