3 Breathing Techniques For A More Effective Workout

Breathing is something we all do naturally but when it comes to exercise, a lot of us are doing it wrong. There is an art to inhaling and exhaling regardless of whether the goal is running or lifting. Trainers often have to remind their clients to breathe because many of them find themselves holding their breath whilst working out.

However this isn’t the only problem facing people who exercise ? breathing too fast, too slow, too deep or too shallow are also other factors to consider. While this will not break your routine, it will definitely affect your ability to perform it and the connection between your mind and body.

This is why we bring to you an article over at Huffington Post which can help make your workout more effective:

1. When You?re At Your Desk…

Take advantage of the stress-relief properties of proper breathing. Deep breathing has been shown to increase activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, the system opposite our fight-or-flight response responsible for a calmer, more tranquil demeanor.

2. When You?re Warming Up…

Since breathing has such an impact on athletic performance, the warm-up is the perfect time to refocus the priority on your breath. Spend a few minutes foam rolling your upper body, particularly the areas hampering your ability to breathe correctly (think: chest, shoulders and neck).

3. When You?re Working Out…

Was it inhale on the way down or on the way up? Was holding my breath good or bad? Trying to remember when and how to breathe while working out can be tough.

The post also has some common breathing mistakes that make for interesting read too. Why not set aside a couple of minutes everyday to improve your breathing and you?ll naturally transfer these good habits into the office, gym or wherever. The key is finding a breathing pattern that you find comfortable and sticking to it.