Have you ever felt an intense burning sensation in your lungs during the workout? It happens because our body yearns for more oxygen. You need more oxygen during your workout session since it is the fuel that keeps your cells running. But what happens when your body struggles to keep up with this demand? 

During intense exercise, blood oxygen levels become key players. They reflect how efficiently oxygen reaches your muscles. The more oxygen available, the faster your cells can transmit it throughout your body. This fuels your performance! Conversely, low blood oxygen levels lead to fatigue and hinder your workout.

In this blog, let's discuss the key strategies to improve oxygen levels and performance during exercise sessions one by one. 

Effects of Oxygen Deficiency on Performance

When your body doesn’t get enough oxygen, it’s like trying to run a marathon with a plastic bag over your head. Oxygen deficiency, or hypoxia, can severely impact athletic performance. 

When the body lacks sufficient oxygen, muscles cannot produce energy efficiently, leading to a quick onset of fatigue and reduced endurance. This condition forces the body to rely on anaerobic pathways, which produce energy less efficiently and generate lactic acid, contributing to muscle soreness and longer recovery times.

Strategies for Improved Oxygenation

Cardiovascular Training

Cardio is king when it comes to boosting oxygen delivery. Running, cycling, and swimming get your heart pumping, which improves blood circulation and helps your body use oxygen more effectively. So, if you’re looking to improve your stamina and endurance, incorporating regular cardio workouts is a must. 

Breathing Technique

Believe it or not, how you breathe during exercise can make a big difference. Diaphragmatic breathing—taking deep breaths into your belly rather than shallow breaths into your chest—can increase lung capacity and improve oxygen absorption. 

Breathing deeply and rhythmically when exercising ensures that your muscles receive a constant flow of oxygen, energizing you and preparing you for the next session.

Dietary Considerations

The supply of oxygen can also be significantly influenced by what you consume. Iron-rich foods, such as spinach and red meat, help to produce hemoglobin, which is crucial for oxygen transport in your blood. Also, nitrates in foods like beets can enhance blood flow and improve muscle oxygen delivery. So, eating a balanced diet with these critical nutrients can give you an extra edge.

Staying hydrated is equally important. Because dehydration thickens blood, oxygen cannot flow easily through your bloodstream. Try to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially before, during, and after workouts. 

Incorporating EWOT System

Now, let’s discuss something innovative - Exercise With Oxygen Therapy (EWOT). This method involves breathing high-concentration oxygen while exercising, dramatically improving oxygen levels and overall performance. People are incorporating this technique because of the benefits of EWOT for better performance. 

How Does EWOT Work?

Exercise with oxygen therapy (EWOT) with increased oxygen concentration (we use 93% - medical grade - compared to the usual 21%). This delivers more oxygen to all the tissues in the body.

Here's a breakdown of the technology:

Equipment and Setup

EWOT requires specific gear, like an oxygen concentrator, an EWOT reservoir for storing the oxygen, and a mask for delivering the oxygen. It sounds fancy, but the setup is designed to provide a continuous flow of oxygen during your workout, making it pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it.

Process of Oxygen Supplementation

During an EWOT session, you perform cardiovascular exercises while breathing in oxygen-rich air. This boosts the oxygen concentration in your blood, enhancing muscle delivery. You start your workout connected to the oxygen delivery system, maintaining a steady oxygen flow. The result? Enhanced performance and quicker recovery.

Benefits of EWOT for Exercise Performance

Exercise with oxygen therapy (EWOT) has several advantages for fitness enthusiasts and athletes. Now, let's evaluate the benefits of EWOT according to their time frame:

Short-term Benefits

Increased Stamina and Reduced Fatigue

One of the immediate perks of EWOT is increased stamina. With ample oxygen, your muscles don’t tire out as quickly, letting you train harder and longer. 

Enhanced Recovery Post-Exercise

EWOT also speeds up recovery. Higher oxygen levels help reduce muscle soreness and accelerate tissue repair so you can bounce back faster after intense workouts.

Long-term Benefits

Improved Aerobic Capacity and Endurance

Over time, regular EWOT sessions can significantly boost your aerobic capacity and endurance. You can exercise at higher intensities for more extended periods because your body becomes more efficient at using oxygen. 

Regular EWOT training can increase VO2 max, measuring your body's ability to utilize oxygen. It increases endurance to perform activities like running or cycling.

Enhanced Muscle Strength and Power

Better oxygen delivery also means more robust muscles. With more oxygen, your muscles can work more effectively, improving overall strength and power. 

Overall Enhanced Health and Fitness

Beyond just performance, EWOT offers comprehensive health benefits, like improved cardiovascular health, increased energy levels, and better immune function. Incorporating EWOT into your routine can lead to a healthier, fitter you.

Implementing EWOT in Training Regimens

1. Consult a healthcare professional: Before starting EWOT, or any exercise regimen, it's essential to consult a qualified trainer to ensure that it's safe for you.
2. Start Gradually: Begin with short, moderate-intensity sessions to let your body adapt to the increased oxygen levels.
3. Consistency is Key: Regularly incorporate EWOT into your training schedule for consistent benefits.
4. Monitor Progress: Track your progress and recovery to see how EWOT is helping.
5. Combine with Cardiovascular Training: Use EWOT alongside traditional cardio workouts for maximum effect.
6. Stay Hydrated: Keep hydrated to support optimal oxygen transmission and utilization. 

Conclusion

Boosting your oxygen levels during exercise isn’t just about catching your breath—it’s about enhancing your performance, improving your endurance, and achieving better overall health and fitness.  

Traditional methods like cardiovascular training and breathing techniques are excellent building blocks. However, advancements like EWOT offer exciting possibilities for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. 

Whether you’re an athlete or someone who loves staying active, optimizing your oxygen levels can help you reach your fitness goal. So, breathe deep, train smart, and see the difference for yourself!