When it comes to staying fit, running is an exercise we can do on a daily basis. It does not require equipment, a companion, a trainer or a specific location. Running also has a long list of benefits – increased stamina, improved bone density, a strengthened immune system and stronger lungs, just to name a few. Overall, it does a great deal for our mental health and physical being too.
Many of us focus on training our legs but do not focus on training our lungs and breathing. Lungs are natural air compressors that provide oxygen to the bloodstream and rid it of waste (CO2). And studies have proven that lung capacity is one of the most important factors to consider before starting any cardiovascular exercise. With strong lung capacity you’ll develop more stamina, increase oxygen transfer to your muscles, and generally feel stronger.
Our lungs contain sacs called alveoli, which collect oxygenated air when we run. The oxygen from air is transferred to the capillaries through the process of diffusion. This oxygen is then transferred to the rest of the body and muscles. Simultaneously, CO2 is transported to the alveoli and emitted into the air when we exhale. Much like our lungs, the air filtration portion of compressed air purification systems keep larger particles like dust and debris out of the compressor to keep them from clogging the air hoses and slowly chipping away at the inner workings of the equipment.
The more we practice and run, the more efficient our lungs become at transporting oxygen to our muscles by not only increasing the intake with each breath but also increasing our respiration rate- which is why we breathe faster when we run. The key to running longer and preventing leg-and-lung fatigue is to breathe fully.
The general goal should be to take in as much oxygen as possible. Naturally, the mouth can take in much more air than the nose. Thus, it makes sense to breathe through the mouth while running than just through the nose. Breathing through the mouth also relaxes the face muscles as we run, making it easier to breathe. To breathe more fully we should understand the difference between chest and stomach breathing. Many studies suggest employing the deep belly/stomach breathing as it ensures maximum oxygen intake. When you breathe through your chest, the air remains in the lungs only for a short time which prevents complete exchange of air. Thus, less oxygen is inhaled. Poor breathing technique also leads to terrible side pull we often experience while running, which occurs due to lack of oxygen in the muscles.
However, stomach breathing is much more effective when you run as it makes use of the entire capacity of our lungs. The air we breathe travels down all the way to the lower portion of the lungs, where the blood is richest in oxygen, and stays there longer.
At ELGi, we are celebrating the #ELGI100KMCHALLENGE, as a milestone in our journey towards becoming the world’s second largest air compressor manufacturer. It’s a commitment to evolve continuously, to better yourself and achieve the bigger goal of being #AlwaysBetter.
To take the #ELGI100KMCHALLENGE today. All you have to do is:
- Set a target for yourself every day. Run, jog or walk to reach your target
- Track your daily progress with any running app of your choice
- Once you reach the 100km mark, tag us on Facebook @elgiaircompressors using the hashtag #ELGI100KMCHALLENGE along with a screenshot of the activity from your running app
- Help us motivate others like you to start a healthier life.