Breathing Right While Running

Everybody knows how to breathe. Even plants are scientifically proven to engage in this inhale-exhale process. But then again, like most of the things we do, there is breathing and then, proper breathing.

Mindy Solkin, a New York City based coach, preaches that proper breathing involves the engagement of the diaphragms. To learn how to breathe properly when running, follow these simple steps:

1. Open your mouth. The fact is, your mouth is bigger than both your nostrils combined so it is more effective in taking in oxygen. Take the hint: breathe through your mouth! Also, you should know that keeping your mouth open relaxes your face which helps in making breathing easier.

2. Breath in patterns. Consciously breathing can be hard. We tend to not know when is the right time to breathe in and breathe out. Well, here’s an idea: coordinate your footfalls with your exhales and inhales. Genius, right? Start with what Solkin calls the 2-2 pattern– breathe in after 2 footfalls then breathe out after thenext 2 footfalls. Then you can advance to the 3-3 pattern and eventually the 4-4 pattern if you’ve adjusted.

Voila! you’re breathing right!