Why do we breathe harder when we exercise? In order for our body to have the energy to do something, we must breathe. In Week 1 you learned that oxygen is required for every single
chemical reaction in the body. So, when we do something hard, our body needs more energy. We get this energy by breathing properly. Taking long, slow breaths helps us during exercise and during
our rest breaks. When you have lots of time to rest, take these long slow breaths, but always focus on breathing out more than breathing in. When you have less time to rest, like only a few seconds between sparring rounds, or exercise stations, then focus on short, rapid, hard exhales. Do not worry about inhaling then, just get all the air out.
PRACTICE
Do 10 squats. Breathe out every single time you come up from the bottom position. So, with 10 squats you are taking 10 breaths. Now perform 10 squats, but breathe out when you go down, AND when you go up. You should have taken 20 breaths.
Most people do not think about breathing this way so the second way will probably make you dizzy. That’s okay! Your body is just not used to that much oxygen. Over time your body will adapt to the higher oxygen. Keep working on breathing out whenever you perform a forceful movement.
Finally, try taking very long, slow deep breaths in and out over the course of 10 squats see if you can do it in two long breaths. Hard isn’t it? You will probably lose track of reps or feel like you are not getting enough air. All these techniques are great and when you get older you will learn how to use them better.
KEY POINTS
There are times to hold your breath, like if you have to push a car, or lift something really heavy. There are times when you can do long, slow relaxed breathes like in stretching, Yoga or meditation, and then there are times we focus on exhaling quickly to recover. Over time you will learn how to use all these techniques.
– Written by Kumar Bandyo