As a cyclist, I struggled in recent years with health issues during the winter training period. I often got sick or focused too much on minor symptoms, which ironically made me fall ill. With Filip’s help, I started doing breathing exercises. Exercises with the Powerbreathe, ‘the BOX’ via an app on your phone, exercises with breath holds, etc. I didn’t always do the exercises correctly, but during the periods when I practiced them consistently and properly, I truly noticed a difference.
I sometimes had trouble with the Powerbreathe because my vocal cords would occasionally tighten or I would feel mucus in my throat. But after doing the exercises daily for a while, it got better, and you can gradually increase the resistance on the Powerbreathe, which makes you better and stronger. I find the ‘BOX’ exercise very calming, and it reduces the urge to gasp for air. You can go longer without oxygen, which is very beneficial for my sport.
By doing all these exercises, I felt that my endurance and breathing rhythm on the bike improved. It also helped me enhance my overall health. I get sick less often now and am fully convinced and motivated to continue maintaining these exercises properly. I believe that integrating these techniques into actual cycling training could be very beneficial as well, and I look forward to experimenting with that.