The main reason to control and learn about your oxygen and other gases condition circulating in your blood, is to analyze how efficiently and effectively you are in processing and taking in the oxygen. This indicator will control, help you analyze and measure your athletic level and physical capabilities. Especially when it comes to endurance sports like cycling and running.
Oxygen plays a vital role in your body. When it comes to physical activity, oxygen is needed for efficient and quick energy production. When in lack of oxygen, the capability of your body to burn energy is slower and less efficient. This makes your athletic performance decrease. Keep in mind that a well-adapted and healthy physique is supposed to keep the arterial oxygen level high. Despite the intensity and longevity of your training routine.
The meaning of numbers
Blood saturation level (the clinical term of blood oxygen), is significantly important. It provides the essential indicators to better understand and read the numbers. They will tell you whether the amount of oxygen in your blood is optimal or not?
When trying to read the numbers that the specific equipment produces, notice that they will be given at you in a percentage form that represents the red blood cells filled with oxygen. Hypoxia is the clinical term that describes the lack of oxygen in your red blood cells.
When your blood oxygen equipment indicates the percentage between 95%-100%, it means your oxygen level in your blood is normal.
90% – 94% Mild Hypoxia (your oxygen level is starting to drop)
85% – 89% Moderate Hypoxia
Under 85% Severe Hypoxia that needs immediate medical care
According to studies made, during normal physical activity, as long as your breathing intensity is also normal, it means you are using plenty of oxygen to complete the needs of your red blood cells. Even if you start increasing the intensity of your activity, as long as you make the changes slowly and keep breathing in a complete depth, your oxygen level will still appear to be normal (95-100%).
When your training intensity suddenly becomes higher and stronger, that means it is normal to expect a small decrease of your blood oxygen level at around 91-92 percent. If you’re a professional athlete or have been training for a long time, then, chances are your body is already capable enough to return your blood oxygen level to its normal range very quickly after you stop the activity.
Should you measure your oxygen levels regularly?
Well, unless your doctor recommends you to measure it, then, you don’t have to keep in track of your blood oxygen level regularly. In cases when you make drastic changes on your training routine and its intensity, then, it’s best for you to keep in track your oxygen level in order to prevent any possible risk for your health.
If you’re over 50, then, you should measure your blood oxygen level regularly. This due to the fact, with the age, the body losses many functionalities. It becomes less efficient in almost every aspect, including the way it processes oxygen. That is why, keeping in track the oxygen in your red blood cells, is a good thing.
