Running is important for your health but taking note of how you breathe during your run is even more important!
We hardly ever give much thought about our pattern of breathing while going for a run. After, who needs to learn how to breathe, right? Well, for your run session to work better on your health and body, you need to be aware of your breathing pattern. Learning a few breathing techniques will help your boost your body’s metabolism and also your performance as runner. Proper breathing during your run will also increase you stamina and reduce the risk of common injuries that can be found in runners. Here are a few tips on how to breathe right while running.
Breathe Through Your Stomach
Most people tend to take shallow breaths through their chest while running. This is not best way to maximise the amount of oxygen you are taking in during a run. In order to be able to take in more oxygen while running try breathing through your stomach. This type of breathing is also known as diaphragmatic breathing. It works by engaging your diaphragm and creating more space in your chest cavity. This, in turn, will allow your lungs to expand more to be able to take in more oxygen. The oxygen flow in your blood will be better reducing the fatigue in your arms.
Inhale And Exhale With Your Mouth And Your Nose
Inhaling and exhaling only through your mouth will make you hyperventilate. On the other hand, if you breathe in and out only through your nose you will not be able to take in enough oxygen while running. The solution is to inhale and exhale using both your nose and your mouth. This way your breathing will be steady and you will also be able to engage your diaphragm for maximum oxygen intake. It will also help you in exhaling out the carbon dioxide in your body faster.
Breathe In A Rhythm
Breathing in coherence with the rhythm of your run is important to avoid any running injuries. Rhythmic breathing, also known as cadence breathing, can be defined by the number of steps you take while inhaling or exhaling. Focus on a breathing pattern that alternates with your steps on each side of your legs. This pattern of breathing will increase the stability of your core and reduce the risks of injuries during running.
