Exercising to lose weight and to strengthen your muscles can be accomplished in a variety of ways including strenuous weightlifting or cardiovascular training. As such, you will need to practice proper breathing techniques while exercising to prevent injury or hyperventilation during your workout. If you begin to have difficulty breathing while exercising, you are likely practicing an improper pattern and should rest immediately. In extreme cases, however, shortness of breath may also be the sign of a medical condition.
Proper Breathing
Breathing properly during your workout is possibly the most critical aspect to focus on to benefit the most from your physical activity. According to an article by Stew Smith for Military.com, your breathing pattern should equate a 3:2 inhale-to-exhale ratio; inhales to exhales. This breathing pattern will help provide you added endurance and oxygen to your muscles during your workout and will also prevent the possibility of hyperventilating. While running, for example, this means you will inhale on your first three strides and then exhale during your following two.
Hyperventilation
When you begin to hyperventilate, your body will attempt to take as many breaths as possible to provide your muscles adequate oxygen to continue working. However, hyperventilation will cause your lungs to fill with air excessively and can lead to other medical problems, such as hyperoxygenation of your blood, which can include bleeding in your lungs. Other symptoms, in addition to the inability to breathe, include bloating, belching, dizziness, dry mouth and chest pain.
Considerations
If you begin to feel shortness of breath during your workout, stop exercising immediately and rest for a few minutes. This rest period will usually allow your muscles and breathing to calm. Raising your arms above your head will also help open your lungs and can assist you with catching your breath. However, if you continue to have difficulty breathing even after your rest period seek medical attention immediately.
Misconceptions
Having the inability to breathe well or experiencing shortness of breath when first starting exercise can be common. As you begin to exercise more over a prolonged period, your stamina and strength will also improve. Your lungs can also strengthen during this time, which will increase your lung capacity and assist with your breathing techniques during future workouts.
