Effective Breathing Method I use to go up STEEP hills.

[Flowrider]

I suppose there are many ways to breathe efficiently while climbing up steep hills.

I thought I'd add the method that works exceptionally well for me, in the hope that it will work for others.

Over the years, I've researched and tried many methods to climb very steep hills and recover as quickly as possible.

The method I use is a combination of physical and mental.

Physical: Deep breathing. I will take in as much breath as possible through my nose if I can and my mouth. I will hold briefly and let it out as slow as I possibly can through my mouth..

Mental: "Look at the front tyre, Look at the front tyre, Look at the front tyre". I repeat this the whole way up. In the past, when I looked up and saw that I still had a lot to climb, it had a negative effect and seemed to sap my energy.

Using this method allows me to regain my breath quicker and doesn't deplete my energy.

I understand that this might only work for me, however, if you try it and it works for you...AWESOME!

[ManBearPig]

Two quick inhales through the nose followed by one long exhale through the mouth works for me. I use this method for both running and cycling.

[Flowrider]

Are you still able to do this when you're really short of breath, like say at the end of a steep climb?

[ManBearPig]

(08-15-2025, 03:03 AM)Flowrider Wrote:  Are you still able to do this when you're really short of breath, like say at the end of a steep climb?

Typically, I don't push myself above the threshold - no racing, no intense training.
I ride uphill in a comfortable flow with a steady cadence, and when I notice I can’t maintain my usual breathing cycle, I simply ease off.

[Flowrider]

Interesting. That's probably something people do, but I wasn't aware of it, so thanks for sharing.