Today we’re talking about breathing. Did you know that many of us are breathing wrong?
Yeah, that’s actually a thing. And if you’re a runner and you think you already know how to breathe, think again; taking our guest’s advice to heart today could change your life.
He’s helped thousands of people, from Olympians to Elite runners, change their lives through their breathing and their running has never been the same.
We’re joined by breathing expert, Patrick McKeown. Having suffered himself from asthma, rhinitis and sleep-disordered breathing for over 20 years, he’s able to offer both his theoretical and experiential knowledge to help clients face and overcome similar challenges.
He’s also written eight books and produced two DVD sets on the Buteyko Method. His latest book is titled The Oxygen Advantage and improves sports performance by addressing dysfunctional breathing patterns and simulating high altitude training.
Today’s topics include:
- The dangers of over breathing and how to spot the signs
- How to keep stress from affecting your breathing
- Exercises to naturally relieve congestion
- The importance of nasal breathing
- What causes fatigue in an athlete?
- Patrick’s advice for new runners
- The benefits of mindfulness
- How to analyze your BOLT (Body Oxygen Level Test) score
- How you’re breathing could be interrupting your sleep
This episode is based on the science behind it all.
For example: did you know that breathing through your nose filters the incoming air and sterilizes it?
Patrick explains how breathing affects the body positively and negatively, and uses an analogy about a Prius and a Hummer to explain it.
Someone who is efficient is like a Prius gets so much out of their breathing. A Hummer on the other hand, gets the bare minimum. “The question is: what can you do for a given amount of air?”
“And to all the skeptics out there: The best way to overcome skepticism is put it into practice.” – Patrick
Breath holding has been used since the 1960s by the best athletes and Olympians in the world. Patrick shares how to simulate high altitude effects in the comfort of your own home.
Pretty much anyone can do it, because we can train the brain to be able to cope with greater change and the margins of improvement are so big.
Lastly, you’ll be guided step by step so you can learn how to breathe properly too, and begin to live a healthier life starting now.
Quotes:
“The time to start practicing is not in competition; the time to start practicing is in everyday life.” – Patrick
“Slow and steady is the way to go.” – Patrick
“In breathing, less is more.” – Patrick
“Modern life changes our breathing.” – Patrick
“To excel in physical exercise, it’s about performing but it’s also about doing it right.” – Patrick
[bctt tweet=”WOW! I never thought breathing correctly could make such a difference to my running!”]
Take a Listen on Your Next Run
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May We Ask You For a Favor?
We hope you enjoy this episode, and please don’t forget to review it if you do! And lastly, if you have any questions you can email tina@runnersconnect.net or leave us a voice message at (617) 356-7969 or click the voice message button on the right side of the page.
by Patrick McKeown
