We train our bodies to run, swim and ride better. But what about our breathing muscles? During hard intervals and swim sessions, I felt that breathing was holding me back. I decided to try Airofit PRO. In this review, I explain my routine, the results recorded by the app and the changes I personally noticed. This is a review of the older model, originally published in Polish on April 2, 2021.
Why I started training with Airofit
I have been running for years, but during fast intervals I struggled to keep up with my breathing. The problem became more obvious when I moved into triathlon, especially in the pool. I also described it in my Silesiaman race report (in Polish). Sometimes I had not finished exhaling before it was time to take another breath. That left me feeling panicked and short of air. I wanted to work on three things:
- a smoother inhalation and exhalation;
- the breathing parameters measured by the app;
- a calmer response to breathing discomfort.
Those were my reasons for adding separate breathing sessions alongside running, swimming and cycling.
What is Airofit PRO, and how does it work?
Airofit is a breathing trainer. The PRO version I tested connected to a phone app that guided exercises and recorded results. This review describes the device and software I used at the time, rather than today’s Elite model.
The resistance dials restrict airflow, so you breathe in and out against a load. My device had six independently selectable resistance settings for inhalation and exhalation. The app also offered three difficulty levels.
I chose the PRO version. My package included two mouthpieces, a charging cable and a carry case. Pairing it with my phone was straightforward, and I could then start the guided sessions.
For the current lineup, see Airofit breathing trainers at the manufacturer. This is an affiliate link: I may earn a commission if you buy through it.
Using the Airofit app
The app let me choose a workout, review results and see how closely I followed each exercise target. Short video instructions explained the individual tasks. I found the interface clear and easy to navigate.
My first breathing test
I started with the app’s breathing test. The screenshot dated November 2, 2020 shows 5.4 L, an inspiratory pressure of 108 cm H₂O and an expiratory pressure of 84 cm H₂O. Against the comparison group shown in the app, my results were:
breath volume: above the average for my age group;
inspiratory strength: slightly above average;
expiratory strength: below average.
My first Airofit workout
I chose an introductory workout to get familiar with the device and its programs. The app available during my test included areas labeled:
- anaerobic training;
- respiratory muscles: inhalation or exhalation;
- lung capacity;
- relaxation.
A program combined several exercises, but I could also choose an individual session. When time was short, I followed the suggested workout. If I had another five minutes, I added one more exercise.
The exercises I used
During the test, I tried several types of exercise:
- inhaling and exhaling against resistance;
- breath-hold exercises after inhaling or exhaling. The latter were the hardest for me: I felt a strong urge to breathe, and 20 seconds seemed to last forever;
- exercises the app grouped under lung capacity;
- rapid cycles of inhalation and exhalation, labeled hyperventilation in the app.
There were also relaxation and concentration sessions. This describes my experience with those exercises; it is not a recommendation to extend underwater breath-holds.
Results: what the app recorded
I trained almost daily for 5–10 minutes, with occasional breaks of a few days. My main priorities were exhalation, smoother air exchange and calmer breath control. Comparing the screenshots from November 2, 2020 and March 16, 2021 gives:
- breath volume: 5.4 → 6.5 L, an increase of 1.1 L, or about 20%;
- inspiratory pressure: 108 → 138 cm H₂O, or about +28%;
- expiratory pressure: 84 → 132 cm H₂O, or about +57%.
These are my app test results. They do not, by themselves, demonstrate faster race times or establish that the device alone caused every change.
What I noticed in the pool
I felt calmer and more confident in the water. A sequence in which I had previously breathed every five strokes no longer seemed so difficult, and inhaling and exhaling felt easier. That is my observation from training, rather than proof that every user will experience the same benefit.
Airofit for running, cycling and strength work
I also noticed a difference in how breathing felt in other sports:
- While running and cycling, my breathing felt deeper. During intervals, it seemed easier to move air in and out quickly. I still became breathless, but subjectively I coped better with the intensity.
- During push-ups and pull-ups, I noticed smoother breathing between movements. Again, this was a personal impression rather than a measured increase in strength.
Airofit PRO review: my verdict
Price was the biggest barrier for me. I am not quoting a current price for a device I tested years ago; check the manufacturer’s current lineup. Consistency also mattered: leaving the trainer in a drawer would not achieve anything.
What I liked
- I saw changes in my app results and felt more comfortable with my breathing;
- the small device was easy to take on a trip;
- the app guided my sessions and made progress easier to track.
For me, Airofit’s biggest benefit was a structured routine: adjustable resistance, clear instructions and recorded results in one place. I do not see it as a guarantee of better sporting performance, but it helped me work on my breathing consistently. For the newer generation, read my Airofit Elite review.