Breathing Properly as You Hike

New York City-based financial executive Kate Merli provides leadership to New 2nd Capital as the firm’s chief financial officer. Away from her work, Kate Merli stays active by hiking.

During any type of physical activity, your heart pumps faster to deliver the blood and oxygen your muscles need to work efficiently. Without enough oxygen, your muscles feel tired. This often occurs if you aren’t breathing properly when hiking.

To avoid this issue, decide whether breathing through your nose or your mouth works best for you. Typically, inhaling through the mouth and exhaling through the nose is the most efficient way of getting the air your body needs. However, breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth filters small bugs and particles from the air.

After you choose your preferred breathing method, focus on breathing at a steady rate throughout your hike. To keep your breathing steady, time it to match your footsteps. 

Finding the right breathing speed is individual and depends on your personal fitness level. If you are running out of breath as you hike, consider slowing your pace.