Breathing is LIFE

The Transformational Power Of Breathing

We can go without food for months and water for days, although to stay alive in this world, we cannot go for more than a few minutes without breathing oxygen. Breathing allows us to stay alive. Therefore, upon reflection breathing IS in fact, life.

Are you regularly breathing fully? When was the last time you took some deep breaths? That is; Thoroughly in through your nose and out of your mouth ? All the way in down into your diaphragm ? You can’t remember ? Do not fret! You’re not alone. This is a very common problem in today’s world.

Learning and implementing correct breathing technique, has been shown to have natural medicinal benefits as it helps to relieve pain and inflammation, control heart rate and blood pressure, aids sleep quality, helps to calm the body and mind, further, can be used to improve mood and vitality especially with emotional disorders. In the fitness realm specifically, breathing boosts sports exercise and work performance via improved focus and attention, as well as improving better recovery between sessions in athletes.

Now you see that breathing properly, helps to control a vast amount of ailments, as well as works wonders for performance in sport and the workplace. This is because breathing affects the function of our ANS via the activation of the vagus nerve.

Amazingly, a short few minutes, taking deep rhythmical diaphragmantic breaths has the power to transition you from flight or fight mode into restorative mode, allowing the body to recover from the effects of adrenal stress

The problem we have in today’s world is that far too many of us are locked In to fight or flight mode with shallow breathing and this sets off a plethora of problems in the body. This is because humans are not designed to be in a chronic state of flight or flight mode.

Many clients I’ve assessed over the years, are locked through the rib cage due to distressful breathing. Consequently, they struggle to inhale or exhale anywhere close to allowing for a parasympathetic benefit. Remembering that both elements of the breathing cycle, are just as important as one another. Essentially, we are breathing in energy via oxygen and as we exhale we are taking waste products out of the body. So if you’re not breathing In fully, we are limiting our own ability to bring life and vitality into the body. Likewise, by limiting the breath out, we are keeping waste jammed into our system.

Needless to say If you’re feeling depressed, lifeless & sluggish it’s worth checking in with your regular breathing technique.

A lack of vitality can indicate that you are not taking full energetic breaths regularly and as a result hindering your ability to fuel up of your brain and body with the vital oxygen it needs to function well.

Conversely we are feeling worried or anxious we often take more rapid and shallow breaths, predominately in the upper portion of the ribs and shoulders, instead of the diaphragm. As a result blocking off energy, thus life into our cells.

Whether your mind is racing into the future events and you’re feeling anxious, or if youre feeling the blues taking some quiet time out In your day to breathe fully can, at the base level allow you to be brought back into the present moment.

Remembering that all we can control is the present moment. And that is a gift within its self - AKA a ‘present’

Breathing forms the very foundation of training. Therefore, when I first make an assessment with clients, I address my clients breathing technique. Specifically, the clients ability to naturally switch on their deep core tissues in unison with their breathing pattern. These two factors are related because when we breathe properly, we are are breathing through the diaphragm and it is the diaphragm, that works on the same neurological loop as the deep core structures plus pelvic floor.

Correct breathing technique is crucial to master during training heavy lifts, myofascial stretch, general strength and conditioning, yogic and Pilates based work plus of course allows you to master your zest for life.

The evidence is stacked for the benefit of bringing breathing practice into our daily routine. It’s an amazing investment and I have no doubt it will turn most peoples lives around for the better.

How do you start? I highly recommend a trainer assess your current breathing technique and then a more personalised practice can be recommended. If you’d like some further advice feel free to email me here

if you’d prefer to go solo, I love WimHofs breathing method. He provides a free 10minute guided breathing session here

Yours in strength

Lizzie