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Chewing Gum While Exercising

Do You Chew Gum While Exercising?

March 16, 2010

My running partner loves to chew gum when we exercise together. She always pops a piece in her mouth before we head out, and of course will offer me one too. So I got in the habit of chewing gum while running, even though it was drilled in my head in my youth that chewing gum and exercising can be dangerous. I have to say, there's something nice about having minty fresh breath while you're out for a jog. What about you?

28 Comments

2 years 4 weeks

I'm a runner myself and i cant go without chewing gum during races or workouts. Even my coach insists that we run with minty gum before we start a race it keeps my mouth moist and I'm not chewing on it constantly i just chew a couple times when my mouth gets dry it helps me concentrate on my breathing and form and its better for me to know that something moist is in my mouth so i can breathe better. I think it does make a huge difference and maybe it just depends on the person.

3 years 9 weeks

I do it pretty often, as well... It helps keep my mouth and throat moist, and I don't chew it constantly. Whenever my mouth gets dry I chew on it a couple of times and it helps get my mouth to salivate. I can't stand having a dry throat and I have limited access to water on my runs (I live in a rural area) so it's better than nothing.

sourcherries 3 years 9 weeks

Nope, rude and dangerous.

sourcherries 3 years 9 weeks

Nope, rude and dangerous.

Ayu 3 years 9 weeks

I never chew gum. I figured out I stick my tongue out when concentrating on a balance-challenging exercise, though. I just can't stop doing it, even if I'm afraid I could fall and bite it off.

3 years 9 weeks

i ALWAYS chew gum when i work out. it helps me remember to breathe during times of high intensity.

insanitypepper 3 years 9 weeks

I can't stand gum.

insanitypepper 3 years 9 weeks

I can't stand gum.

Spectra 3 years 9 weeks

If I'm biking, I'll sometimes chew gum because I'm not at a very high intensity. If I'm doing something very intense, I can't really chew gum because I can't chew and breathe hard at the same time.

3 years 9 weeks

Minty fresh breath- so what? How can you possibly breathe properly & focused when you 're simultaneously dealing w/ an obstruction in your mouth that is also interfering with how often you need to close & open? You don't. I don't think serious runners do anyway.

la dee da dee 3 years 9 weeks

I try not to chew gum in general but I like the idea of doing it during a workout!

3 years 9 weeks

I always chew gum when I exercise--it keeps my mouth from drying out, and minty gum just seems to make me work out harder for longer. It may be psychological, but hey, whatever works!

tlsgirl 3 years 9 weeks

I don't know why I would.

tlsgirl 3 years 9 weeks

I don't know why I would.

runswimmerrun 3 years 9 weeks

Sometimes minty gum, and sometime BlackBlack if I want a caffine boost for my workout, but usually no gum at all.

jkat 3 years 9 weeks

I can barely walk and chew gum at the same time, so I don't think I could pull off working out and chewing. I also have invisalign now, so I would have to take it out to chew gum, which would defeat the purpose.

jkat 3 years 9 weeks

darc5204 3 years 9 weeks

I don't chew gum while exercising, but I've also never heard that it's dangerous.

onlysourcherry 3 years 9 weeks

no... wouldn't it run out of flavor halfway through your run?? Wouldn't it hurt your teeth to try to chew as your feet are pounding on the pavement? Wouldn't it be kind of a distraction? The idea is weird to me but I've never tried it.

chloe bella 3 years 9 weeks

I don't ever chew gum.

chloe bella 3 years 9 weeks

I don't ever chew gum.

imLissy 3 years 9 weeks

All I would hear in my head would be my choir teacher telling me to spit it out. I know singing != exercising, but both involve breathing.

Leilanic1 3 years 9 weeks

i can't workout without it. i've gone to the gym and realized i didn't have any gum and had to leave and go to the nearest store to buy some. it helps me to remember to breath if that makes any sense.

ticamorena 3 years 9 weeks

I have done it a couple of times, and although an avid gum chewer, exercise + gum = a big headache. I don't mind others doing it provided they exercise common courtesy and keep in discreet

lemuse20 3 years 9 weeks

I'd probably feel like I might choke or my breathing might be thrown off, so no I don't and won't chew gum while exercising

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28 Comments

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