Should I breathe through my nose or mouth when I run?

Answer 1

I always get a good chuckle when I hear this question. After all, we breath and run at one point or another... However, this question keeps coming up all the time. It's even more funny when you catch other people doing it incorrectly, which happens far more frequently than you might think.

We inhale air either through our nose or mouth. The mouth is larger than the nostrils so you can inhale and exhale more air through the mouth. While running, you need more air than when you’re sedentary, so it only makes sense that the most effective way to breathe on a training run is inhale and exhale through the mouth.

While running and breathing in and out through the mouth, some air will come in through the nostrils but it’s not a huge factor and you won’t have to concern yourself with it.

Basically, just do what comes naturally. Trust me, you have been running and breathing since you were a little kid. Just keep going with it. There's no need to be doing anything special just because you're running a little farther than before.

Happy Runnings~!

Answer 2

I have been able to breathe through my nose a few times, but only when running very slowly. The rest of my 25 years the air went in and out through the mouth.

If it's hot out, you cool a little more with your mouth open.

You should not try to force it either way; your body knows how to breathe well enough.

Answer 3

Okay first It depends upon weather or not you are sprinting or running long distance. I have been in track and cross country for four years. In cross country I find it a lot easier to breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. However my best event is the 800M in Track. Not very many people realize that the 800 is actually a long sprint and in that case you want to breath through your mouth. I hope I helped. Oh my PRs are 17:32 for the 3 mile, 4:54 for the one mile, 2:03 for the 800 and :57 for the 400. Remember: "Use courage for if you endure you bring honor to us all"

Answer 4

I use both my mouth and nose. I would try breathing naturally when running - if you try to force a technique it's more to think about, and it may just stress you out. For longer races, I usually get a song in my head which regulates my breathing or I've even tried cadance-breathing to distract my mind from my sore legs. See the link below for some other breathing ideas. Best of luck - happy running!

- Mike

Answer 5

One of the things that determines your running performance is your Max VO2. That is, the maximum oxygen uptake rate. The first step in oxygen uptake is getting it into your lungs, which you want to maximize so open your mouth and breathe deep.

Breathing through only nose when you run is like being in a drinking contest where everyone else is chugging from a glass and you're using a straw.

Answer 6

The right way i would think is through the nose so that you can better train your 'lungs'. But personally I always start breathing thru my nose and eventually mouth.

Answer 7

Long distance?
Breathe in through your nose. Don't stop at your chest breathe all the way to your stomach. Exhale through your mouth with a slight wind sound.
You need more oxygen in distance to prevent cramps and provide energy.
Sprint?
Breath in through the nose as far as your chest and exhale quickly through your mouth.

Answer 8

it depends. in yoga, breathing is all through the nose, so as to keep the "heat" from the breath internal. while doing aerobics, it is often recommended that you breathe through your mouth to avoid becoming overheated.

do whatever is most comfortable for you.

Answer 9

I run in cross country and i find it much easier to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth while running. It also helps you from getting cramps which helps you to run faster. Try it! Hope I helped.

Answer 10

at first through your nose, (all the way until you can) after breath with your mouth if you really need it.