Vidyut Jammwal claims 5 minutes of breathwork = 10 kilometres of running or cardiovascular strength; expert weighs in

Breath training, such as diaphragmatic breathing and Pranayama or box breathing, will improve lung capacity and oxygen delivery, reduce stress levels, and lower blood pressure. “Therefore, minimising the load on the heart and improving oxygen efficiency can indirectly benefit cardiovascular health. It can be a great start for someone who wants to hike up their health but cannot engage in high-intensity activities,” said Dr Mishra.

Do you run? (Source: Pixabay)

Dr Mishra said that running 10 km every day could probably be characterised as an exercise that requires more significant physical effort; the resultant benefits include strengthening the heart, increased aerobic capacity, improved circulation, and burning off more calories.

“It builds stamina, tones the muscles, and improves physical fitness. The run will trigger an increased rate of heart activity; the cardiovascular adaptations ensuing will not result from mere breathing exercises,” said Dr Mishra.

So, while you could claim that five minutes of daily breathing will help keep the heart healthy and relieve some stress, it would simply be “inadequate” in terms of cardiovascular function. “The best way of keeping the heart functioning well is to resort to aerobic exercise and breathing techniques training,” said Dr Mishra.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.