The 7 benefits of mouth taping during exercise

Read about the impact that nose breathing or mouth breathing has on exercise and how mouth taping can enhance your performances.

Mouth taping during exercise is a relatively new technique that has gained popularity in recent years. It involves placing a piece of tape over the mouth during exercise to promote nasal breathing and improve athletic performance.

Professional football player Patrick Wålemark wearing mouth tape during training for Dutch football club Feyenoord

While it may seem counterintuitive to block the mouth during exercise, research suggests that mouth taping can provide numerous benefits. In this article, we will explore the 7 benefits of mouth taping during exercise. The 7 benefits are: 

#1: Improved Oxygen Intake

#2: Reduced Risk of Injury

#3: Improved Cardiovascular Function

#4: Enhanced Recovery

#5: Improved Focus and Concentration

#6: Reduced Muscle Tension

#7: Improved Digestive Function 

Why mouth tape in general?

Mouth taping is used to promote nasal breathing during sleep and exercise, as it can improve overall health and athletic performance. By keeping the mouth closed, it encourages the body to breathe through the nose, which can increase oxygen intake, reduce snoring and dry mouth, and improve sleep quality. During exercise, mouth taping can help to improve oxygenation, cardiovascular function, and post-workout recovery. It may also help to reduce the risk of injury and fatigue, allowing athletes to push themselves further and achieve better results. With its numerous benefits, it's no wonder why more and more people are using mouth tape as a tool for optimizing their health and fitness. 

#1: Improved Oxygen Intake

Breathing through the nose can lead to better oxygen intake and utilization during exercise. The nose filters and humidifies the air, which can improve oxygen uptake by up to 20%. By blocking the mouth and promoting nasal breathing, mouth taping can improve oxygen intake and utilization even further. This can lead to better athletic performance, reduced fatigue, and improved endurance.

#2 Reduced Risk of Injury

Mouth taping can also reduce the risk of injury during exercise by promoting proper form and reducing tension in the neck and shoulders. Mouth breathing can cause tension and tightness in the neck and shoulders, leading to poor posture and an increased risk of injury. By promoting nasal breathing and reducing tension in the neck and shoulders, mouth taping can help to maintain proper form and reduce the risk of injury.

#3 Improved Cardiovascular Function

Mouth taping during exercise can also improve cardiovascular function by regulating breathing and reducing hyperventilation. Mouth breathing can cause hyperventilation, leading to a reduction in carbon dioxide levels in the blood and a constriction of blood vessels. This results in a decrease in oxygen delivered to the muscles and an increase in heart rate.

#4 Enhanced Recovery

Nose breathing can help to enhance recovery after exercise by improving oxygen flow to the muscles and reducing inflammation. This can help to reduce muscle soreness and promote faster recovery between workouts.

#5 Improved Focus and Concentration 

Nose breathing helps to improve focus and concentration during exercise by regulating breathing and increasing oxygen flow to the brain. This can help to improve mental clarity and reduce distractions, allowing you to stay focused on your workout. 

#6 Reduced Muscle Tension

Breathing through your nose helps to reduce muscle tension by promoting relaxation and reducing stress. This can help to reduce the risk of muscle strain and injury, as well as improve overall flexibility and mobility.

#7 Improved Digestive Function

Mouth taping can also improve digestive function during exercise by promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Stress and tension can cause digestive issues, such as nausea and indigestion, during exercise.

In summary, mouth taping during exercise can provide numerous benefits for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. By promoting nasal breathing and improving oxygen intake, cardiovascular function, and recovery, mouth taping can help to optimize athletic performance and promote overall health and well-being. While it may take some time to adjust to mouth taping, many athletes and fitness enthusiasts have reported significant improvements in their performance and overall well-being after incorporating this technique into their workout routine.