To get the most out of your workout, it is important to breathe accordingly. What is the difference between cardio training, strength training or yoga practice breathing? And how to do this right?
Breathing while doing cardio training
When you do this properly, you will notice a lower heart rate, as you are able to get more oxygen in and more importantly push all the carbon dioxide out of your body. The Co2 in your body will increase if your breathing patterns are short and hurried. This will increase your heart rate and decrease your endurance. So the best way to breath is a 3:2 inhale-to-exhale ratio, full inhales and full exhales. So for example when you’re running, INHALE on the LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT foot and EXHALE fully on the RIGHT, LEFT foot. You need to get used to it at the start but it is easy to make it a habit.
Breathing while doing strength training
It is very simple; always EXHALE on exertion. So when you are pushing a bench press off your chest, you EXHALE on the push and INHALE as you bring it slowly to your chest. When you are doing a pull-up, you EXHALE on the pulling up and INHALE on the way down. Breathing correctly during heavy training is important to prevent injuries as hernia, blood vessel strain and high blood pressure.
Breathing while doing yoga
Breathing in yoga is more focused to be aware and calm. Remove all the stress and random thoughts. Emotions create tension in muscles, stiffness and blockage to flow. Yoga recommends smooth, relaxed awareness of inhalation and exhalation during the practice. When bending forward, exhale. When lifting or opening the chest, inhale. When twisting, exhale.
It is amazing to combine fitness with yoga. Use different muscles and different breathing. Let your body work and see results!
