Breathing Training Aids, Airofit and such

anyone got any first hand experience with breathing training aids?  I’m asthmatic and seem to be getting hit harder with colds and flus etc as I’m getting older so looking into additional ways to train up my respiratory system.  Any other non-snake oil products I should consider?  Thanks!

Not quite what you’re asking, but I’m learning to play a woodwind instrument and that certainly develops breathing muscles and breath control. I also get the boost to the brain which learning an instrument gives you.

Also not what you’re asking, but I’ve been trying to use nose breathing (typically inhaling through my nose, exhaling through my mouth) to try to restrict my effort level when doing zone 2 running in the last year or two. It’s worth trying this out if you don’t already do so. My mild asthma seems thoroughly under control these days (and will hopefully remain under control), but I wouldn’t be surprised if there is some interaction between nose breathing (and its supposed weird/unexpected nervous system and cardio-vascular interactions) and my wheezes.

I’ve played with a Powerbreathe to improve diaphragmatic breathing and it was very effective for that. Also tried some cheap Amazon ones and was not impressed. Powerbreathe seems to have reasonable scientific support behind it. Used the basic red plastice one. No experience re asthma but if it is easily affordable for you I think it is definitely worth trying the Powerbreathe. And may help sprinting power 🙂

I had a powerbreathe and tbh i found it perfectly engineered to be at the same time too boring to ever want to do, but too involved to ever do while thinking about anything else. I know that’s a bit childish but the best exercise/training stuff is the one you actually use.

anyone got any first hand experience with breathing training aids?  I’m asthmatic and seem to be getting hit harder with colds and flus etc as I’m getting older so looking into additional ways to train up my respiratory system.  Any other non-snake oil products I should consider?  Thanks!

Interested myself. My peak flow is crap, 450ish. The nurse said it should be over 600, given my build. It may also explain why my sprinting on the bike has always been awful, also short sharp climbs. I’ve always run out of lungs before legs.