Change Breathing Pattern for Greater Fat Burning Potential

Is it possible to breathe differently in order to help weight loss?

Consistent weight loss requires a gradual and regular reduction in daily calories over the course of numerous months. Any change in breathing pattern alone will not achieve a calorie deficit, however, changing how we breathe may help us to burn more stored fat during certain types of exercise.

A technique in breathing patterns can be used to help burn a greater percentage of fat whilst exercising. It involves the conscious thought to control breathing during light exercises or aerobic type training.

Usually we breathe using only one fifth of our lung capacity, but if we learn to use our lungs more effectively during exercise it's possible to help supply greater amounts of oxygen to the working muscle cells. Fat needs oxygen in order for it be burn completely. A greater supply of oxygen to a muscle often means it will have the capacity to burn greater amounts of fat and rely less on carbohydrates for energy demands.
 

How to Breathe for fat loss

This can be achieved by inhaling slightly deeper than normal then exhaling slightly further than normal. Once into the swing it’s possible to push this breathing pattern a little further, although, make sure your breathing remains comfortable and avoid any sign of dizzy or light-headed feelings. It may take some practice, and the breathing should be started off slowly at first before exercising.

Fit and healthy individuals can sometimes exercise and take in deep breaths slowly but then exhale much quicker to expel most of the air from the lungs. Eventually all exhalations are relatively fast and inhalations remain slower but maintain a steady cycle of breathing.