Critical Oxygen

How to Breathe Better According to Science | #92 ft. Dr. Eric Harbour

Feb 6, 2025
Dr. Eric Harbour, a Ph.D. in sports biomechanics specializing in breathing patterns, shares fascinating insights on optimizing breath during endurance exercises. He explains how breathing impacts both physiological and psychological performance, revealing the risks of over and under breathing. The conversation covers the benefits of nasal breathing, especially at low intensities, and introduces practical techniques to enhance breathing efficiency. Whether it's managing airflow mechanics or understanding respiratory muscle training, Eric delivers valuable strategies for athletes seeking to improve their performance.
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INSIGHT

Breathing: Automatic Yet Malleable

  • Breathing is partly automatic but can be beneficially influenced.
  • Neither extreme that it's all-changeable or all-fixed is correct; the truth lies in between.
INSIGHT

Slow Deep Breathing Improves Efficiency

  • A larger tidal volume with a slower breathing rate enhances breathing efficiency.
  • This reduces dead space air and improves gas exchange for the same ventilation.
INSIGHT

Effort Drives Breathing Rate

  • Breathing rate during exercise is driven top-down by perceived effort.
  • Tidal volume increases secondarily to maintain biochemical homeostasis.
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