As something we do naturally, it seems crazy to find myself writing about breathing to enhance your fitness levels, performance and reduce stress .  However, I’ve noted that many of my clients ‘Reverse Breathe’ (click here to read more about reverse breathing). Additionally, I have noted when breathing patterns are corrected that there are very obvious and dramatic results both immediately (and long term).

How Does Reverse Breathing Affect You?

I have noted that with my ‘Maga Sports’ clients (who are all keen Sports participants) the effect of reverse breathing can lead to plateauing, as well as less energy and a longer recovery period, whilst my Maga Therapeutic clients (all of whom have very stressed, busy lifestyles) feel more stressed and even more lethargic!!

Check YOUR Breathing Pattern

• Rest one hand on your upper chest and the other over your navel area
• Breathe normally for a minute or so
• Notice which hand rises first when you inhale

Results:

•  If the upper hand rises first you are reverse breathing
• If the lower hand rises first you are breathing with your diaphragm
• If both move at the same time you are using a mix of both

Breathing Exercise To Normalise Breathing

Sit in an upright position looking straight ahead. (You can close your eyes if it helps).

Put one palm on your upper chest and the other over your navel. (The aim is to have the lower hand rise first when you breathe in.)

Breathe out gently and effortlessly.

Now wait for a second or two until the body spontaneously begins the inhalation.

Hold the breath for a few seconds, then exhale slowly.

I find it helps if you count slowly as you breathe in…. i.e. breathe in to the count of 6 (lets say) hold for 2 seconds, breathe out for 7.  Also, I find it beneficial to increase the duration of the inhale/ exhale increase when comfortable (easy), i,e Breathe in (and out) to 7, 8, 9 etc.

You may be tempted at this point to ‘force’ a deeper inhalation, but this really won’t help! Allow your body to find its natural rate, I’m certain that as you try this you will already be feeling your body automatically relax!

Continue doing this for about 5 to 10 minutes.

Your New Breathing Pattern

Your new slow, relaxed, method of breathing may take a little time to get used to particularly if you have been desk-slumped or stressed for a long time, but don’t despair, it gets easier and easier to change this pattern!

Feedback using this technique has been varied….from the reduction of ‘plateau’ when training to personal bests*, to ease of training, an instant calming solution and even enhanced orgasms (really!!).

Breathing this way also helps relieve (and alleviate)  tension between the shoulder blades!

*Please note: Whilst breathing ‘properly’ enhances many aspects of your life, muscle tension/ lack of flexibility will affect the outcome.

Did you know excessive amounts of Oxygen (relative to the level of Carbon Dioxide) in our system causes us to feel agitated and jumpy. Whereas too much Carbon Dioxide (relative to the level of oxygen) can leave us feeling sluggish, sleepy and tired!