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Rick Weaver's avatar

I met a young man who was prepping for elite military training. He wore a restrictive breathing mask for his running and “rucking“ (before Rucking was a thing) workouts. Same idea?

Paul von Zielbauer's avatar

Similar, yes. Haven’t seen one of those masks, myself. Not sure I’d run with one.

Daniella | YourHealthFolio's avatar

I like the honesty here: “scientifically adjacent, not scientifically proven” is exactly the kind of caveat health writing needs more of. Also, holding your breath near construction dust and accidentally inventing a training protocol is very on-brand for aging with strength. Cardio by sidewalk hazard.

Paul von Zielbauer's avatar

Daniella, I appreciate you noticing the acknowledgement, which I agree should be standard journalism practice but, quite frankly, is not. Also, your observation about this being a very on-brand kind of insight is true! I hadn't thought of it like that but it is. Staying curious is what it's all about.

Irina Strobl's avatar

Started doing breath holds while walking the dog after listening to the Oxygen Advantage podcast and boy, is this an uncomfortable feeling. I haven’t done them consistently enough to notice any improvement on my rowing but the science as you point out is there. Do you plan on trying this protocol for a specific goal?

Paul von Zielbauer's avatar

Irina, I just like seeing how long I can hold my breath in various situations: in the ocean, at the pool and, obviously now, walking around town. It just occurred to me this week, as I was holding my breath walking past the construction area, that doing so while still walking briskly (which was for more like 20-25 seconds, I now realize) raised my heart rate in short order, so therefore wouldn't there be some kind of cardio advantage? The science seems to suggest that maybe there is, but it's dancing around the edges more than answering the question one way or another.

Irina Strobl's avatar

it’s used in sports but it’s hard to pinpoint considering the full complexity of athlete training.

Cynthia LeBleu Wood's avatar

Just catching up on substack. Really enjoyed your interview with Wendy, and what a great idea to hold your breath while walking. An added benefit! Cindy

Paul von Zielbauer's avatar

Cindy, I'm glad the Live session with Wendy was interesting to you. Just be sure to stay within your limits doing walking breath holds....no getting dizzy or fainting allowed.

Webb Bierbrier's avatar

I hold my breath when I walk through the security machine at the airport. I’ve psyched myself out to think that I’m getting less radiation if I hold my breath.