Breathing skills: Any tips on breathing skills... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,112 members159,473 posts

Breathing skills

KateBounce profile image
11 Replies

Any tips on breathing skills when running? I am advised to breathe in on 4 and out on 4 but don’t find it feels very natural

Written by
KateBounce profile image
KateBounce
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
11 Replies
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Just breathe..like you do all the time..if you are struggling for breath.. slow down :)

KateBounce profile image
KateBounce in reply toOldfloss

Ok thank you! I tend to shallow breathe but wasn’t sure if there was more of a technique to it

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toKateBounce

You just don't overthink it.. like blinking.. you do it all the time..but if someone mentions blinking... uh oh... It will come..just relax and enjoy :)

Denovo profile image
Denovo in reply toOldfloss

Exactly! The more I think about it, the less I breathe :D

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toDenovo

... and when some one says you don't think about blinking..it makes you over blink :)

Redtracey profile image
RedtraceyGraduate

I try not to think about my breathing at all and it falls into place!

I have never been able to breathe in through nose and out through mouth nor to count of 4 - the less I concentrate on it better it seems to be!!! 😊

AnnieW55 profile image
AnnieW55

Just do it in a way that feels comfortable and try not to think about it (you don’t in your usual day-to-day life so no need to here). It generally settles down and then you notice it has! Having said that I think if you can breathe a bit deeper you will benefit as you will get more oxygen into your body which is A Good Thing 😀. And as Old Floss says slow down so that you don’t get too out of breath.

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduate

I normally hold air for 30 seconds every 22 steps then breathe in and out, then pass out, rinse and repeat. Occasionally l will breathe in and out 7 times per second before passing out.

Maybe you should try less vigorous technique which simply involves running and breathing without thinking? You know, like kids do! Some say it works. ;)

KateBounce profile image
KateBounce

Thank you all! I shall try to just breathe 😂

sallenson profile image
sallensonGraduate

Just do your normal breathing thing for the time being. I promise it gets easier, honest...

One thing to try when you're feeling more comfortable is instead of adjusting your breathing to your steps, adjust your steps to your breathing:

What we normally do is get flustered and breathless thinking "I can't breathe in/out until I've done x steps". Instead of that take smaller slightly faster steps. That will get your cadence a bit higher (i.e. steps per minute) and you'll be able to breathe in a more natural rhythm.

That's for another day tho.

Right now, just breathe hon... :-)

KateBounce profile image
KateBounce in reply tosallenson

That’s great! Thanks for the tip!

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Breathing

I've completed week two and really pleased 😄. The trainer voice talks about breathing in for every...
KL77 profile image

Breathing

Hi all Week 2run 2. Michael is telling me to breath left foot out for 4 left foot in for 4. Cant...
Smile23 profile image
Graduate

Breathing

Nothing to do today so decided to go through lost of posts on forum ,some going back 3 years. very...
dindy profile image
Graduate

Rhythmic breathing?

Does anyone use rhythmic breathing - where you breathe in for 3 and out for 2? I've read it helps...
AngieS profile image
Graduate

Breathing

Am on week 3 but finding it very difficult to breathe! Lol! I’ve tried counting in and out for 4...

Moderation team

See all
Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministrator
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.