Proper breathing techniques can be a powerful ally on your weight loss journey. New research shows a direct connection between breathing and fat burning that can help you lose weight faster. In this post we’ll explore the science behind breathing and weight loss plus actionable tips to accelerate fat burning.
How Breathing Helps You Burn Fat and Lose Weight
When you eat, especially carb-rich foods, your body breaks them down into energy, producing carbon dioxide (CO2) as a byproduct. Here's where it gets fascinating: this CO2 is transported to your lungs and when you exhale, you're expelling that CO2!
An estimated 84% of the fat burned from your body is exhaled as CO2 when you breathe out. So your breath itself plays the major role in metabolizing fat and shedding pounds. Keeping this in mind can give you extra motivation to mind your breath the next time you're sweating through a workout.
Breathing Exercises and Techniques for Faster Weight Loss
Now that you know the fat burning science behind breathing, let’s look at how you can leverage different breathing exercises and techniques to accelerate your weight loss results:
1. Mindful Breathing for Weight Loss
Take 5-10 minutes daily to practice mindful breathing techniques like diaphragmatic (aka belly) breathing. Inhaling fully and exhaling completely not only reduces stress but also facilitates your body’s natural metabolic and fat-burning processes.
2. Prevent Exercise-Related Side Stitches
That sharp side stitch pain many get while exercising stems from improper breathing. Proper belly breathing combined with hydration, timing meals correctly, and warming up can prevent side stitches so you can work out longer and burn more calories.
3. Combine Breathing with Aerobic Exercise
Activities like brisk walking, jogging, swimming and dancing get your heart rate up. This leads to faster, deeper breathing which helps you maximize fat burning during workouts.
4. Try Breath Counting
Counting your inhales and exhales is a form of breathwork meditation that can boost metabolism according to some studies. Sit comfortably while counting each breath cycle.
5. Wake Up Your Fat Burning with Breath Holding
The practice of holding your breath after an exhale for a short period can trigger fat mobilization. But approach this prudently and avoid strain.
The Takeaway
While breathwork is just one part of the equation, conscious breathing paired with nutrition, exercise and lifestyle factors can give your weight loss efforts an added boost. Make time to practice proper breathing techniques daily. Over time, you’re likely to see tangible results on the scale and beyond.
What are your best tips for losing weight? Share them below to help others learn new ways to reach their health goals!