No matter if I’m running, bicycling, using the elliptical, or lifting weights I always find I’m getting short of breath. So I thought I would do some research into the proper breathing techniques when we’re exercising. Of course, when your body is being physically pushed past it’s exertion point, it’s very normal to experience an out-of-breath feeling, but there are a few different breathing techniques to reduce this out-of-breath sensation.
Most exercisers are actually chest-breathers as opposed to stomach-breathers. Switching from a chest-breather to a stomach-breather is not easy, but here are some tips suggest by our Calorie Counter team that help you train your body to breath with your stomach as opposed to your lungs:
Use Your Hands
When you are first training your body to breath with your stomach, do this breathing exercise at home. Place one hand on your chest and one hand on your stomach. Then focus on breathing in your stomach; your lower hand should be going in and out, while your upper hand shouldn’t move much.
Weight Training
Strength training actually requires more concentrated breathing techniques because your muscles need oxygen in order to rejuvenate and heal. Fitness trainers do suggest that you exhale on the exertion phase of weight training and inhale on the easier phase.
Yoga
I strongly suggest taking either a yoga or Pilates class because they are not only great for reducing stress and strengthening your body, but they are also great for teaching breathing techniques.
You would think breathing would be like second nature to us – which it is! But in order to get the most out of your workout, reduce fatigue, and help repair your muscles, you need to train yourself to breath properly through your stomach, not your lungs. Hope this article has been of use to you and don’t forget to check back to Calorie-Smart.com for daily recipes, diet plans, blogs, and exercises.
