While running, I subscribe to the method of nose breathing as opposed to mouth breathing. Among the benefits of nose breathing is that it allows the oxygen to mingle in the lungs for a bit longer, creating a more efficient breath. I also find that it allows me to pace myself better, since I can only go as fast as I can take in air. When more oxygen is needed, as in sprinting, mouth breathing is necessary, but over a longer distance, nose breathing is better. That is just my opinion which I've discovered through various articles, as well as my own testing. The first place I heard about nose breathing was in this article by a high school track coach. (Scroll down to "Hold Your Breath" for the relevant paragraph.)
Today I read an article in the New York Times about high-end mouth guards, or "performance mouthpieces", that allow relax and align the jaw, prevent teeth-clenching, and open up the airways. Paying anywhere from $500 to $2,500 for a mouth guard seems a bit outrageous to me, but I am intrigued by the idea. While their main touted benefit is opening up the airways, running or working out with a relaxed jaw helps the whole body stay relaxed, conserving your muscles and energy for the exercise at hand. It's a very interesting concept, and I hope the price of these will come down in price so skeptics like me can test it out without breaking the bank.
Today I read an article in the New York Times about high-end mouth guards, or "performance mouthpieces", that allow relax and align the jaw, prevent teeth-clenching, and open up the airways. Paying anywhere from $500 to $2,500 for a mouth guard seems a bit outrageous to me, but I am intrigued by the idea. While their main touted benefit is opening up the airways, running or working out with a relaxed jaw helps the whole body stay relaxed, conserving your muscles and energy for the exercise at hand. It's a very interesting concept, and I hope the price of these will come down in price so skeptics like me can test it out without breaking the bank.
RSS Feed
