Mixed Martial Artist and actor Vidyut Jammwal recently claimed that five minutes of breathwork every day is equivalent to running 10 kilometers for cardiovascular strength. While the idea of breathwork benefiting health is valid, experts suggest that equating it to running in terms of cardiovascular benefits oversimplifies the matter.
Expert Opinion: Dr. Vaibhav Mishra
Dr. Vaibhav Mishra, a senior cardiac surgeon at Max Hospital, Patparganj, clarified that this comparison isn’t entirely accurate. He explained that while breath training, such as diaphragmatic breathing, Pranayama, or box breathing, can improve lung capacity, oxygen delivery, and reduce stress, it cannot replace the cardiovascular benefits of aerobic exercises like running.
Breathing exercises certainly help in improving lung function, lowering blood pressure, and reducing stress, which can indirectly benefit cardiovascular health. For people who are unable to engage in high-intensity activities, breath training can be a great starting point. However, it falls short in terms of building the cardiovascular strength that comes from more vigorous physical activity.
Running: A More Intense Cardiovascular Workout
Running 10 kilometers daily involves significant physical exertion, leading to strengthened heart muscles, increased aerobic capacity, improved circulation, and calorie burning. These benefits are much more pronounced compared to the relatively gentle nature of breathing exercises. Running, especially at higher intensities, also improves stamina, tones muscles, and increases heart rate, prompting cardiovascular adaptations that breathing exercises alone cannot induce.
While breathwork can play an important role in stress management, improved lung function, and general health, it is not a substitute for aerobic exercises when it comes to enhancing cardiovascular fitness. Dr. Mishra advises combining both breathing techniques and aerobic exercise (like running) to truly benefit heart health and overall fitness.
In summary, while five minutes of breathing exercises can be beneficial for overall health, they do not provide the same cardiovascular benefits as running or other aerobic activities. For optimal heart health, incorporating both aerobic exercise and breathing techniques is the most effective approach.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.