Oxygen Advantage

Meet Robin Rothberg, a yoga therapist with over forty years of experience and a unique approach to breathing and wellness. Robin’s journey began with her own struggles with chronic pain and respiratory issues, leading her to explore beyond traditional yoga practices. With deep insights into the science of breathing, Robin emphasizes the importance of functional, nose-based breathing techniques, drawing from Buteyko methods to counteract the stress and health issues often exacerbated by conventional pranayama.In her work, Robin integrates holistic and adaptive yoga principles that support individual needs and promote overall health. Her training with renowned breathing expert Patrick McKeown and her book, Restoring Prana, offer a fresh perspective on the role of breath in yoga, blending traditional teachings with modern scientific understanding. Robin’s mission is to empower yoga practitioners to transform their health by embracing a mindful, scientific approach to breathing. Join her as she explores the power of breath, the mind-body connection, and her journey to creating yoga practices that truly support wellness and vitality.

Dr. George Dallam holds the rank of Distinguished Professor in the School of Health Science and Human Movement at Colorado State University – Pueblo (CSUP). He has taught a wide variety of classes in exercise physiology, research and statistics, behaviour facilitation, sport psychology, kinesiology, biomechanics, management, exercise assessment and prescription, swimming, running and triathlon. He is past chair and an ongoing member of the CSUP Institutional Review Board, as well as being the longtime chair of the CSUP Faculty Compensation Committee. He is also the former inaugural National Teams Coach for USA Triathlon and continued to work for many years with elite U.S. triathletes as a coach, advisor and consultant while at CSUP. Athletes coached directly by Dr. Dallam have included National Elite and Age Group Champions, Olympians, Pan American Games Medalists, World Age Group Champions and the top ranked male triathlete in the world in 2005-2006, Hunter Kemper.Dr. Dallam has been involved in numerous research studies and the publication of their results at both CSUP and the USOC examining various aspects of triathlon performance and training, diabetes risk factor modification, and the effects of functional movement improvement on running . His primary research interest recently is focused on the capability of human beings to adapt to nasal only breathing during exercise as a way to improve both health and performance.In this fascinating episode, George Dallam takes us on a journey that began in 2005, when frequent health issues pushed him to explore the unexpected benefits of nasal breathing. Over the course of six months, George transitioned to nasal breathing during exercise, resulting in remarkable improvements in his cycling and running performance, as well as a significant reduction in sinus infections.Join us as George shares insights from groundbreaking studies that reveal how nasal breathing can reduce VO2 max by 10%, yet increase efficiency by helping athletes achieve 85% of their VO2 max at a lower ventilation rate. He also dives deep into the physiological benefits, from improved blood flow and cognitive function to reducing cardiac fibrosis.But the path isn’t always smooth—George discusses the challenges athletes face when making the switch from mouth breathing to nasal breathing, and why gradual adaptation is key to avoiding hypoxia.Whether you're an athlete or just curious about how breathing affects your health, this episode will leave you inspired to try nasal breathing for yourself. Plus, George shares practical tips like using nasal dilators and taping for better adherence.Tune in to discover how something as simple as breathing through your nose could transform your performance and well-being!Be sure to check out George's new book, Nasal Breathing Paradox During Exercise, at the link below: https://www.amazon.com/Nasal-Breathing-Paradox-During-Exercise/dp/B0D9LJVRVH

Evan Birch, a first responder and dispatch operator for over two decades, discusses his transition to running and the importance of nose breathing. He highlights his experience with PTSD and how breath work, including nose breathing, helps him manage stress and improve performance. Evan shares his journey from mouth breathing to nose breathing, noting significant improvements in his running speed and endurance. He emphasizes the benefits of nose breathing for mental health, recovery, and overall performance. Evan also discussed the potential of integrating nose breathing into first responder training to enhance their mental and physical resilience.

In this month's episode of The Oxygen Advantage Podcast, Patrick McKeown talks to Dr. Charlie Weingroff. They discuss the significance of language in yoga and coaching, the challenges of communicating effectively in manual therapy, and the scientific basis of manual therapy techniques. They also delve into the nuances of breathing and respiration, challenging common misunderstandings and emphasizing their interconnectedness with relaxation, athletic performance, and overall well-being. Additionally, Patrick and Charlie discuss the importance of proper breathing techniques for optimizing pH levels, analyzing the core for efficient breathing and rehabilitation, and leveraging technology in physical therapy. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the need for a comprehensive understanding of the autonomic nervous system's impact on breathing and fitness, and encourage listeners to remain open-minded and passionate about the subject.