If you have followed my newsletter for any length of time then you know that I am a huge advocate for better breathing habits. Breathing is the one lever that you can pull that will improve just about everything you do on the bike, including cardio, strength and even your skills. As important as it is, though, few riders really focus on it as part of their training program. The good news is that it doesn’t take a lot of time and you don’t need fancy equipment. In fact, a great way to train your breathing is to use a straw. Yes, the same thing you use to drink your favorite beverage when you’re out at a restaurant is also a great training tool for your breathing. Just get a straw, have a seat and start to breathe through it. Just 5 minutes of this a few times a week will make an impact on several aspects of your breathing that will help you on the trail. Breathwork training is an important part of MTB cardio training, especially as we get older. The good news is that it doesn’t take a lot of time or equipment - 5 minutes of breathing through a straw a few times a week can be enough to make an impact on it.  And if you want to learn even more about breathwork training for MTB, be sure to check out my Guide To Better Breathing For MTB. In it you’ll find how to assess your breathing and several drills and strategies to help you optimize your breathing for better health and performance. Until next time… Ride Strong, James Wilson