Jogging respiration

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The topic of respiration related to jogging comes up in various contexts within the episodes. Here are a couple of insights regarding that subject:

  1. Oxygen and CO2 Balance During Exercise: Dr. Andy Galpin discusses the balance of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) during exercise, explaining that as exercise intensity increases, more CO2 is expelled in comparison to the amount of O2 taken in. This change in the respiratory exchange ratio can lead to what is known as an oxygen debt, which is why we continue to breathe hard even after stopping the exercise, in order to settle the 'debt' of op oxygenation in the tissues 1.

  2. Breathing Techniques for Side Stitch: When jogging, people sometimes experience a "side stitch," which explains is not actually a muscle cramp but is related to the phrenic nerve which controls breathing. He suggests a method to relieve the side stitch involving a double inhale through the nose followed by a long exhale. This technique can aid in altering the firing patterns of the phrenic nerve and relieve the side stitch 2.

The above insights help demonstrate how jogging affects our respiratory system and how we might optimize our breathing during this activity.

Understanding Oxygen Debt

Andy explains the relationship between oxygen intake and carbon dioxide output during exercise, highlighting the concept of the respiratory exchange ratio. As exercise intensity increases, the body continues to ventilate even after stopping, due to the need to repay an oxygen debt caused by accumulated waste. This phenomenon, known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, reveals how our bodies manage energy demands and waste during varying levels of activity.
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Dr. Andy Galpin: How to Build Physical Endurance & Lose Fat | Huberman Lab Guest Series
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