Public Speaking & Sports Performance
How Breathing Shapes Sports Performance & Speaking Confidence
If you find yourself breathless during exercise, slow to recover, or anxious when speaking or performing, your breathing may be playing a bigger role than you think.
Breathing through the nose in a calm, efficient way supports both physical performance and mental focus. When breathing patterns are disrupted, it can affect endurance, recovery, sleep, and even how confidently you use your voice.
At Breathe Well, we help people restore natural, functional breathing. The benefits often include:
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Improved sports performance and stamina
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Faster recovery and less muscle soreness
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Better quality sleep and energy during the day
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Clearer, more controlled speaking and voice use
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Reduced anxiety before training or public speaking
Is Your Breathing Holding You Back?
You may benefit from breathing retraining if you:
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Struggle to breathe through your nose during activity
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Become breathless quickly or recover slowly
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Experience cramps, dehydration, or frequent soreness
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Sleep poorly or wake unrefreshed
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Feel anxious before training, speaking, or performing
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Run out of breath while talking or presenting
The Impact of Dysfunctional Breathing
When breathing is heavy or inefficient, the body works harder than it needs to. This can limit oxygen exchange, increase lactic acid build-up, raise heart rate, and disrupt sleep. Over time, poor breathing can also heighten anxiety and reduce vocal control.
Restoring nasal, functional breathing can:
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Improve oxygen delivery and recovery
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Lower heart rate during rest and activity
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Reduce cramps and muscle fatigue
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Support deeper, more restorative sleep
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Build endurance without over-breathing
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Enhance calm focus under pressure
Real Experiences
Darnelle Timbs – NZ International Rower
“Buteyko transformed my breathing during training and competition. The difference was night and day.”
Con Barrell – Former All Black
“Buteyko changed the way I understood performance—and recovery.”