Switching to Nasal Breathing During Exercise: Building Healthy Habit for Life
by Joe Somodi, Mental Performance Coach
Start Slow and Gradually Increase Intensity
As an athlete, it's important to prioritize your health while striving for your best performance. One simple yet effective way to do this is by switching to nasal breathing during exercise. Start by slowing down your physical activity to a level where you feel a light air hunger. Gradually increase your exercise intensity as the feeling of air hunger goes away.
Warm Up to Help Your Body Adapt
A progressive warm-up is an essential part of any exercise routine, but it can be especially helpful when switching to nasal breathing. Start with five to ten minutes of light aerobic activity such as walking, jogging, or cycling. As you warm up, focus on breathing through your nose.
Incorporate Indoor Training and Breathing Exercises
Indoor training on a treadmill or indoor bike can help you focus solely on your breathing technique. Additionally, you can incorporate nasal breathing and breath holding exercises into your routine with the Oxygen Advantage® program.
Pay Attention to Your Breathing and Unblock Your Nose
It's important to pay attention to your breathing during exercise. Notice whether you breathe through your mouth or nose. If you score less than 25 seconds on your BOLT score, you are likely to experience muscle fatigue much sooner in your run. Practice exercises to unblock your nose to help you breathe through your nose more easily. Additionally, NasalDilator can help keep your airways open if you have a deviated septum.
Practice Nasal Breathing During Sleep
Using MYOTAPE to tape your mouth at night can help ensure nasal breathing during sleep. This approach helps relax your nervous system, keeps your mouth healthy, and improves sleep quality and recovery. By practicing nasal breathing during sleep, you'll be more likely to continue the habit during exercise.
Switching to nasal breathing during exercise is a simple yet effective way to improve your athletic performance and overall health. By following these steps, you can switch to nasal breathing during exercise and build a healthy habit for life. Remember to be patient with your body as it adapts to the new breathing technique. With time, you'll experience improved exercise recovery, reduced asthma symptoms, and increased stamina and focus.
