2. CO2 is the doorway that lets O2 reach our muscles.

3. Overbreathing is a common negative habit in our society. Overbreathing leads to a lower tolerance of CO2 which causes less oxygen to be released by the RBCs. (Red blood cells) This leads to exhaustion and fatigue. It decreases endurance and negatively impacts performance.

4. The Spleen is a powerful organ. It acts as a blood bank. When the body signals an increased demand for O2, the spleen releases stores of RBCs. In fact, after a series of breath holding exercises, those with spleens intact showed a significant increase in hemoglobin concentration than those without spleens!

5. The spleen actually contracts in the presence of high CO2 levels and therefore an increased release of RBCs; Thus, better oxygenation of the blood.

6. We should breathe through our noses not our mouths… Our noses are for breathing and mouths for eating.

7. Every animal in the animal kingdom breathes through their nose with the exception of certain animals, like dogs, if they’re too hot and/or sick. Even the mighty cheetah, which goes from 0 to 60 in 3 seconds only breathes through its nose.

8. Reduced oxygen levels, as in the case of high altitude training causes the hormone erythropoietin (EPO) to be released by the kidneys which stimulates the maturation of RBCs in the bone marrow.

My book will be done by January, if not sooner… I was so excited to write about the power of the breath as it seems to be the most important part to fitness levels…

Try breathing through just your nose, breathe light, only taking deep breaths when your body signal you to do so. Practice holding your breath upon exhale while walking…

One simple test: The BOLT Test… it can be used to see how good your body is at absorbing oxygen.

In the morning breathe in and out through your nose, upon exhalation hold your breath until you feel the first signs of “a desire for air” or “hunger for air.” Time yourself…

The average person will achieve a count of 20, sedentary people will get 10 seconds or less. 30-40 range and you are in really great shape. Top Athletes achieve 40 and above.

BOLT stands for “Body Oxygen Level Test.”

Get the book “Oxygen Advantage” if you really what an in depth study on how we should be breathing…

The Nose is more amazing than I ever could have imagined… It is a gateway to to the parasympathetic nerve system, it releases Nitric-Oxide which expands airways, it warms the air, and helps us to obtain 10-20% MORE OXYGEN!

Get the book, and get my book when I release it!

WE WERE INDEED, DESIGNED TO THRIVE!