It’s clear that “proper” breathing mechanics are MOST IMPORTANT when it comes to moving and feeling better!
The fact of the matter is…if we can regulate our breathing…we can regulate our movement.
Moving well is all about the expansion and contraction of our “stuff”...Our insides;).
Because when we inhale, we hopefully expand…and when we exhale, we hopefully contract. But that’s not necessarily the case with A LOT of folks.
In my practice, I often observe that people who experience persistent pain are usually the ones struggling to breathe correctly.
And two of the WORST ways to breathe are either through your mouth (using your neck and shoulders) or just belly breathing.
DO THIS instead (Cupples, 2024):
1) Our neck must stay as relaxed as possible.
2) We need 360 degrees of ribs and chest expansion
3) We need 360 degrees of stomach expansion
How to:
1)Relax your neck:
-Tongue comfortably up against the roof of your mouth just behind your teeth.
-Mouth closed gently.
-Chin lifted slightly.
2) Place one hand on your chest and one on your stomach:
- Allow your chest and stomach to expand in all directions
Here’s what you're gonna need:
- Clear/Comfortable/Quiet space
- Something for your head and neck
Here’s what you’re gonna do:
- Lie on your back comfortably
-Place one hand on your chest and stomach
-Tongue to the roof of your mouth, just behind your teeth
-Gently close your lips
Silent NASAL INHALE: 5-10 seconds SLOWLY
🔑Make sure both your chest and stomach EXPAND!
NASAL EXHALE: 5-10 seconds SLOWLY
Practice this and develop your own rhythm for approximately 3-5 minutes.
💡Notice how both the chest and stomach rise and fall together.
💥🫁 Progress your breathing!
-After you develop your own rhythm in time, practice an OPEN MOUTH SIGHING EXHALE.
-Pretend you’re FOGGING UP a MIRROR.
Again, practice this and develop your own rhythm for 5rds x 5-7 breaths
Notice how you move and feel afterward. Better? Same? Different?
A great way to start your DAILY PRACTICE or just EVERYDAY!
💡REMEMBER…moving and feeling better REQUIRE ONGOING PRACTICE!
Dedicated to your health and longevity,
Mike
P.S. Take your movement practice to the next level! At Longevity Personal Fitness, my approach will help you train smart, change the way you move, and feel good...all without wearing you down.
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