What is RMT and why is it important?
It’s possibly the most neglected muscle in our bodies, yet as crucial to our life and wellbeing as those in our hearts.
The diaphragm – our main breathing muscle, contracts and relaxes around twenty thousand times each day, without any conscious effort. Which is just as well!
It responds automatically to increased demand, going from an average 12-20 breaths per minute up as high as 50 or 60 during hard exercise.
Some research has suggested that there is an optimum breathing rate of around 6 breaths per minute. But we’ll come back to that.
The diaphragm is not the only muscle involved in breathing. There are a number of others with important supporting roles, in the ribcage and upper abdomen. And they all benefit from Airofit training. But for now, we’ll focus on the diaphragm, the star of the show.
RMT vs IMT – what’s it all about?
To avoid confusion, let’s clarify the difference between the two.
RMT – respiratory muscle training. Training that targets your breathing as a whole.
IMT – inspiratory muscle training. Training that targets the in-breath.
Like any muscle, the diaphragm can become weaker due to age or illness. And it can be trained too, for strength and flexibility.
Work out or work… in
Any type of vigorous aerobic activity will help to keep your breathing muscles in good shape. There is no substitute for exercise when it comes to all round health and wellbeing.
But wouldn’t it be great if we could target our breathing muscles with a short, focused workout? A workout that anyone can do, at any time in any place. (Within reason – the bath/shower is not recommended!)
The evolution of the solution
Airofit started life as a medical device to help patients dealing with the effects of COPD and asthma. It was developed further to boost the breathing performance of singers, and later swimmers and other sports people got a chance to discover the wonders of RMT.
Fast forward to today, and Airofit is at the cutting-edge of breath training. The world’s only data-driven breath training system. Our app-based system is used by everyone from Olympians to casual joggers. Anyone who could use a breathing boost, with minimum time or hassle.
And of course, it has documented benefits for people dealing with health problems, like asthma, COPD, MS and long Covid.
So, what will YOU get out of doing RMT with Airofit? Stronger breathing muscles means more available air. You don’t need to be an athlete to appreciate a bit more ‘gas in the tank’.
But there are additional benefits of RMT/IMT. As our users will attest it gives you:
• More energy
• Better sports performance
• Faster recovery times
• More strength & flexibility of breathing muscles
• Improved relaxation and sleep
• Reduced fatigue
• Better mental health
Make friends with your breath
Elite athletes will appreciate the performance boost. The rest of us can just enjoy better all-round health and a closer relationship with our breath.
By doing regular training with our app-based system, you get to learn your strengths and weaknesses. And you get to watch your performance improve, day by day, week by week, with clear visual feedback.
For many people, awareness of their breathing habits is the first step on the road to better health and fitness. The short, daily training sessions become a springboard for a greater awareness of how our breath impacts every aspect of our lives.
Back to school
When it comes to breathing, there are various traditions and schools of thought. From traditional Yoga practices to more modern ones, breathing has never been so much in the spotlight.
Wim Hof has made a name as a record-breaker, coach and thought leader, combining cold therapy, breathwork and meditation for better health and endurance. His system includes a technique of hyper-ventilation, which has documented benefits in reducing inflammation.
Patrick McKeown, a Buteyko method trainer, is another big name in the world of breath training. His international best-seller The Oxygen Advantage has changed the game for many people in sports.
The Buteyko Method was created by Dr Konstantin Buteyko in the 1950s. His emphasis on slower breathing and nose-breathing is claimed to improve conditions like asthma and boost sports performance.
Is Airofit compatible with these various schools of thought?
Yes it is! With our emphasis on training for stronger breathing muscles and raising awareness of our breathing habits, our system can be combined with these other methods. Variety is the spice of life!
The great value of all these systems – Yoga, Buteyko or Wim Hof is a greater awareness of how better breathing habits impact our wellbeing.
And getting everyone breathing better is what Airofit is all about.
