Breathing Mechanics

Let’s figure out how our bodies are designed to breathe during activity!

why be mindful of your breath pattern during exercise?

to avoid tension

to gain focus

to power your movements

to stabilize your lower back and pelvis

When should I start becoming aware of my breath?

before starting your exercise

do I need to focus on the air coming in and out of my nose?

nope!

focus on your breathing muscles

focus on your ribcage

What are my breathing muscles?

diaphragm

pelvic floor

transverses abdominis

multifidus

How do I become aware of my diaphragm?

When you’re active, and breathing in, feel your diaphragm contracting and flattening down to your stomach 5-6cm. When you’re active, and breathing out, feel your diaphragm relaxing, and doming up toward your heart 5-6cm.

How do I become aware of my pelvic floor?

When you’re active, feel your pelvic floor slightly lifted up…it’s like a reverse pee.

How do I become aware of my transversus abdominis and multifidus?

When you’re active, and slightly lifting your pelvic floor, your transversus abdominus will automatically tighten just a little…so will your multifidus. So you just need to maintain a little pelvic floor lift.