Video:Don'ts for Breathing When Running

Transcript:Don'ts for Breathing When Running

List of Tips for Breathing While Running

Hi, I'm Cate Ganiere for About.com. Breathing plays a huge role in how well you will be able to run for most distances. In this video, we'll talk about how to breathe correctly while running. To do this, we'll use the following list of don'ts when it comes to breathing. These are: Don't overdo it; Don't favor your nose or mouth when breathing; Don't overlook proper pacing of breaths; Don't breathe from your chest. Let's go through this list.

Don't Push Yourself Too Hard While Running

First, don't overdo it. "No pain, no gain" is a popular saying that may have its place in some aspects of exercise. But when it comes to breathing, you shouldn't feel pain at all. If you find yourself gasping for air or you feel any pain in your chest, you should slow down immediately. Don't favor your nose or mouth. Don't breathe solely through your nose or mouth. For some, this will come naturally, but many people tend to favor either their nose or mouth when breathing. Try to make sure that you are making good use of both your nose and mouth when you inhale, and then exhale through your mouth.

More Running Tips About Breathing

Don't overlook proper pacing. After you have a run for a little bit, try to pay attention to how often you are inhaling and exhaling. A good pace to follow is three steps per inhale and two steps per exhale. Don't breathe from your chest. The best way to maximize your breathing is to use the diaphragm or stomach instead of your chest. By doing this, you'll find that you can take in more air and run more efficiently. These tips should help on your way to a comfortable and fun running experience.

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