[Caleb Burns]

Caleb Burns asked the Naked Scientists:

Part of my exercise routine is to hold my breath somewhat when I'm exercising. That is, maybe taking a breath every five steps and then slowly releasing it. It seems to me that this method helps tax the cardiopulmonary system while it reduces the likelihood of musculoskeletal damage.

Any comments?

What do you think?

[chris]

Hi Caleb

I've heard athletes and other runners talking about using a similar strategy to avoid getting a "stitch", which is caused by the diaphragm moving in the opposite direction to your liver; timing breathing with footfalls, however, can synchronise the two, avoiding the uncomfortable stretching of the supporting tissues which is what causes the pain.

Chris