Developing a good breathing habit while walking is an effective way to increase performance of your respiratory muscles. While walking, consciously expel all the air in your lungs, allowing the lungs to passively rebound off of the chest wall and causing them to refill with clean air. The body's oxygen consumption will increase but your breathing and heart rate will also increase to compensate for the increased need for oxygen and nutrients.
Words of Wisdom
Walking is an active and easy source of exercise and can be done even by those who are in advanced years. As the body's activity level increases so does its need for oxygen. The heart rate will increase to meet the demand placed on the respiratory and circulatory system by exercise. A person new to walking needs to visit his doctor before entering into any new exercise program to make sure that he is healthy enough to participate in the activity.
Breathing and Walking
If you are a novice to walking as a source of exercise, start with conscious control of your breathing as you are walking. A good arm swing is a magnificent way to time your breathing pattern. As you swing your arms back and forth for locomotion, pay close attention to your left arm. Inhale as you bring it forward and swing it back normally, counting three full swings before slowly exhaling. In the beginning, this may seem to be a colossal effort, but as you become used to the pattern, it will become automatic and happen unconsciously.
Considerations
Some walkers have a habit of holding their breath for short periods of time. This can be a detriment to walkers, as it can increase the buildup of carbon dioxide, which is a byproduct of breathing. The body is very sensitive to carbon dioxide in the blood and will increase its respiratory rate to expel the waste gas. This a normal and natural response by the body to normalize itself and achieve balance.
Warnings
If you suffer from any form of respiratory dysfunction such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, consult with a doctor to best achieve the optimal result from walking. Ask your doctor to write an order for you to be evaluated by a licensed respiratory therapist. This ensures that you safely undertake the proper regimen to start walking. If you feel short of breath or experience chest pain, stop immediately and rest. If rest does not relieve the symptoms, contact emergency medical personal immediately. Take fresh water with you on your walk in case you become overheated and require water and rest. Take a cellular phone with you during your walk in the event you need help in the case of an emergency. Tell friends and family where you are going and what route you are taking.
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