
The objective is to create a need for air. Ensure that you walk at a pace that lets you keep your mouth closed. To make progress, breathing should always be through the nose. Breathing must be controlled and the air shortage should not be so much that it causes you to open the mouth. If you need to open your mouth during physical exercise, you are pushing yourself too hard. Slow down instead and exercise at a level that is right for you.
Breath holds during physical exercise
This exercise is best suited for children, teenagers and adults in relative good health. If your CP is less than ten seconds or if you have any heart complaints, high blood pressure or moderate to severe sleep apnoea; it is advisable not to practise this exercise.
To do this exercise:
- Breathe in
- Breathe out
- Pinch your nose with your fingers
- While holding your breath, walk up to twenty paces
- When you release, let go and calm your breathing immediately
- Walk normally with your mouth closed for between half a minute and one minute to recover, and repeat again
- Repeat this medium breath hold every minute during a twenty-minute walk