This might sound silly but most people do not know how to properly breathe during exercise. When people begin a fitness program, they understandably have lots of questions, from how to perform certain moves to which exercises are most effective. One question that everyone seems to ask is how to breathe properly when working out.

Step 1

Stand relaxed and take two or three deep breaths before starting any exercise. Use this time to practice deep breathing by breathing in through your nose so air fills all of your lungs. Make your ribs expand with each breath to minimize shallow breathing.

Step 2

Start with the muscle you’ll be exercising in a lengthened position. Inhale deeply through the nose to prepare yourself for movement.

Step 3

Exhale as you lift the weight during the exertion phase of the exercise as the muscle shortens. Exhale forcefully through the mouth and nose, contracting your abdominal muscles. Do not hold the breath.

Step 4

Inhale and exhale rhythmically during cardiovascular exercise. Take deep breaths in through the nose as much as possible. Higher intensity exercise may require both nose and mouth breathing.

Brett Mendenhall

Blog Bros.