Keeping you blood oxygen at a healthy level is something that you need to be concerned about if you exercise regularly. Every breath that you take in affects these levels. When your levels are right, your body is able to deliver oxygen to your muscles and help them to function properly. When they are low, your blood does not contain as much oxygen. This may result in dizziness, fatigue and a lack of overall energy. However, there are actually a number of different factors that can affect your blood oxygen levels.

For instance, if you are at a high elevation, your blood oxygen levels may be very low. If you are working out strenuously, they may be higher because your body requires more oxygen to function properly. Understanding your blood oxygen levels when you are at rest is something that you need to do if you want to make the most of the oxygen that's entering your body.

Normal blood oxygen levels for the average American is about 90 to 100 percent oxygen saturation. This means that your body is getting enough oxygen if your levels fall somewhere in this range. Your body is getting the oxygen it needs to perform basic functions and your internal organs are likely performing at their best when you keep your blood oxygen levels this high. If they are not this high normally, it could be because you're suffering from an ailment that's preventing your body from getting enough oxygen. In these cases, you need to take a look at what could be hurting your blood oxygen levels. Smoking is a big culprit when it comes to healthy blood oxygen levels.

Smoking alone can bring them down and not permit your body to get the oxygen it needs. Your geographic elevation can also play a role. But the only way you'll know whether or not your low levels are the result of something outside of your control is to see a doctor.

If you work out regularly with no problems, there's a good chance that your blood oxygen levels are good enough both during exercise and at rest. But if you notice that you often struggle with mustering up the energy it takes to do simple tasks at home--like take out the trash or even just get up off the couch--your blood oxygen levels are probably at risk.

Experts are also starting to find that obesity can have a dramatic impact on them as well. Therefore, you may be able to help regulate your levels better by eating better and getting more exercise in order to get your resting blood oxygen level back to a healthy percentage.

By understanding your blood oxygen levels at rest, you can help your body to recover from exercise and help keep it in an overall healthy state. If you neglect signs that you may be suffering from low blood oxygen, you could ultimately pay the price later.