His strength: a breath that helps to keep the distance

It is thanks to this technique that the Afghan nomads are able to walk 700 km in 12 days without being exhausted. Bluffing, right? Accessible to all, it is based on the synchronization between breathing and the pace of steps . "The goal is to go further by tiring as little as possible, says Catherine Gaggioli, mountain guide who practices the Afghan march. At first, one works on a flat ground in order to relearn to breathe only by the nose . In this way, purer air is absorbed which allows a better oxygenation of the cells and a reduced energy expenditure, indispensable for long journeys. "

Once the basic rhythm has been mastered (inhale on three steps, hold back on one step, expire on three, then take another step), this technique can be applied during mountain or desert hikes , but also for travel great distances in town and leave the car at the garage. 7-day courses from 680 €.

Where to go? At the Agency men and mountains, www.men-and-montagnes.fr or www.marche-consciente.com