Workout: Breathe

 

Whether you’re a yogini, pilates student, power lifter, jogger, gymnast or fitness enthusiast we all must recognize one thing.  There is power in the breath.  The mighty exhale exerts tremendous strength and force as your core (your center) engages.  

 

Experienced exercises have already succumbed to the fact that the art of breathing (when mastered) can be a huge advantage but when one becomes unaware of their breath and can no longer keep it calm and controlled then success can easily slip through their fingers.

 

Even off the court, the field or the gym room floor researchers have discovered that breathing can be a valuable tool toward changing one’s mental state.  Whether you are battling a relentless migraine, an unyielding headache, anxiety or high levels of stress breathing can be your respite.

 

Try these breathing exercises today:

1. Breathe to calm the mind.  Close your eyes and inhale through the nose, imagine the air slowly filling your rib cage then your belly.  On the exhale slowly expel all the air from your lungs as if you are deflating a balloon.  Repeat this breath cycle 3 to 5 times as you bring all your attention and focus to the sound of your breath

2. Breathe for control.  Inhale through your nose, filling your lungs with air.  As you exhale draw the “Powerhouse” (i.e. core/abdominals) in toward the spine and up toward the rib cage.  To guide the action, place your palm on your belly and as you exhale gently press your belly in then push the belly up toward the rib cage.  Repeat this breath cycle 3 to 5 times as you bring all your attention and focus to the sound of your breath.

3. Breathe for strength. Try this breathing exercise while doing a machine chest press.  Inhale to prepare yourself for the movement and exhale as you draw the abdominals toward the spine and aggressively push the weight forward.  Continue this breathing cycle for the entire set.