While running, the optimal technique to breathe is to inhale and exhale from both your nose and mouth. Breathing through both your mouth and nose can help you maintain a regular breathing pattern and activate your diaphragm for optimal oxygen absorption. It also permits you to swiftly exhale carbon dioxide. The more regularly you breathe, the more easily you will be able to talk while running.
The best way to start breathing better is by learning how to breathe correctly in the first place. Following these steps will get you on the right track:
1. Inhale through your nose and keep your mouth closed. 2. Hold your breath for as long as you can before exhaling slowly through your mouth. 3. Repeat this two-three times until you feel comfortable with your breathing.
Once you have mastered proper breathing, you can work on breathing easier. Running with an open mouth and nostrils is not recommended because air goes into your body but does not come out which can lead to overheating, fatigue, and even brain damage if it continues for too long. However, if you must open your mouth while running, only do so during intense periods of exercise when you need extra oxygen. Otherwise, keep your mouth shut!
Of course, if you experience pain when breathing, see a doctor before starting any new exercise programs. They may want you to try some other method instead.
In general, the objective should be to take in as much oxygen as possible while expending as little carbon dioxide as feasible. You can't take in as much air through your nose as you can through your mouth, of course. As a result, when running, it makes sense to breathe mostly via your lips. This way, you're not just breathing in more air but also reducing the amount of air that is trapped in your lungs.
When running, the ideal breathing method is to breathe from the diaphragm. This is referred to as yoga breathing or belly breathing by some. A runner will take deeper breaths by breathing from the diaphragm, avoiding the shallow breathing in the chest that can contribute to side stitches. The goal is to fill your lungs with air but not over-inflate them. As you get used to this type of breathing, you will be able to control your pace and distance more easily.
There are several different methods for learning how to breathe properly when running. Here are the most popular:
Breath stacking. This means filling one breath with as many breaths as possible before exhaling. For example, if you were to breathe out completely on the first inhale and hold it for two seconds, you would have "stacked" two breaths. Stacking your breaths this way will help you avoid panting. Panting is when you breathe in quickly and deeply, then release the air slowly. This action requires more oxygen than normal breathing, so it's very fatiguing. Practicing breath stacking will help you maintain a steady pace without getting too tired.
Control breathing. This means taking slow, deep breaths while running. You should be able to feel each breath moving into your stomach when practicing control breathing.
How to Breathe Properly While Running