Breathing while exercising may seem simple, but it is crucial. Holding your breath during a workout isn’t helpful, and it is important to sync your breath with each movement. Oxygen plays a key role in your body when exercising. Exercises like walking or slow jogging that you can perform at a steady pace and have enough air signifies “aerobic exercise.” High-intensity activities like sprinting or weight training, where you cannot get enough air, are called “anaerobic exercise.” Proper breathing during both types of exercise not only makes you feel better but can also transform your workouts.
Your endurance, or the ability to finish a workout, hinges on proper breathing because your muscles need oxygen to convert fuel into energy. Relaxed and proper breathing during exercise can delay fatigue. During anaerobic exercise, when you can’t get enough oxygen, lactic acid builds up and causes pain. Breathing out during the hardest parts and inhaling during the easier parts can delay the build-up of lactic acid, making the exercise less painful.
Exercise drains your energy and can cause muscle soreness. Proper breathing aids in faster recovery. Athletes often cool down after a workout to bring in more oxygen and speed up healing. A good cool down involves slow-paced aerobic activities like walking or jogging. Most people focus on finishing their workout, but cooling down and stretching afterward can really assist in faster recovery.