Why a low heart rate improves your performance

You know the drill: That one guy who effortlessly keeps going during Hyrox or a long run while you run out of breath. The secret? A low heart rate. The more efficient your heart works, the better you perform. You burn less energy, your muscles get more oxygen and you recover faster. Sounds good, right?

A lower heart rate means your body burns more fat instead of glycogen, which provides a more sustainable source of energy. In addition, your oxygen transport remains at the same level, which means you become less acidic and can perform at a high level for longer. And perhaps most importantly: you stay in control. No unnecessary peaks, no bloating, just steady power.

But how do you keep your heart rate down, even during intense workouts? Simple: breathe through your nose.

Nose breathing: the game changer for your heart rate

Opening your mouth and panting like a dog? Bad idea. Breathing through your nose activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers your heart rate and puts your body into a more efficient mode. Plus, it increases your CO₂ tolerance, meaning your body uses oxygen better. Result? Fewer breaths needed, less wasted energy, and a more stable heart rate.

Mouth breathing often causes rapid, shallow breathing. This can lead to overbreathing and unnecessary stress on your body. Nasal breathing, on the other hand, forces you to breathe deeper and more controlled, which keeps you in a rhythmic flow and more focused.

NOOS ATHLETICS Nose Strips: your secret weapon

Nasal breathing sounds logical, but if you are used to breathing through your mouth, it can be difficult to maintain. It is also possible that you simply have narrowed nasal passages, and you can inhale less air through your nose. This is where the NOOS ATHLETICS Nose Strips come in. These strips open up your nasal passages, making it easier and more efficient to breathe through your nose. The result? More stable breathing, a lower heart rate and better performance. Ideal for Hyrox, running and any other sport where endurance and breathing control are crucial.

How to train your nasal breathing without getting frustrated

1. Stick on a NOOS ATHLETICS Nose Strip and immediately notice how easy it becomes to breathe through your nose.
2. Start slowly. Train at low intensity with nose breathing, for example during easy running or cycling.
3. Use it during your warm-up. By breathing directly through your nose, you prepare your body for a more efficient workout.
4. Practice it in everyday life. Try to consciously breathe through your nose while walking or even behind your laptop.
5. Focus on your exhalation. Exhale longer than you inhale. This helps keep your heart rate down and allows for better oxygen exchange.

Want to perform better with less effort? Then a low heart rate is your best friend. And the key to achieving that? Nasal breathing. Make it easier on yourself with the NOOS ATHLETICS Nose Strips and experience the difference during your next workout. Try it out and discover how efficient your body can really be.