When was the last time you were really conscious of your breath? Good breathing practice is something that you are encouraged to focus on throughout a yoga or Pilates class, and are forced to do when cardio training, but what about in daily life?

Breathing is part of the autonomic nervous system, so is easily taken for granted and therefore forgotten about. Quite simply, good breathing is one of the most important things you will ever do, so why not make it a daily focus. Here are a few benefits:

  • Aids relaxation
  • Amazing detoxification
  • Depending on the type of breath, it can be an instant energy booster
  • Mood enhancer
  • Instant pain killer
  • Helps with mental focus
  • Massages and strengthens the heart
  • Improves sleep
  • Helps move lymph fluid so enhances the immune system
  • Tones the diaphragm (breathing muscle)
  • Gently exercises the ribs, pelvis and spine to aid posture
  • Improves circulation to lower the organs so aids digestion and elimination
  • Instant calmness in stressful situations
  • Creates a sense of connection with nature

Worth a try?!

Simply bringing attention to your breathing is a great practice in its own. Basically you are meditating as you do this. However, for this week’s video I would like to take breathing a step further and combine it with good movement mechanics.  If you do this, the above benefits are amplified!

The video starts with some body sensing and an awareness exercise for the back of your body. This requires an ‘over ball’.  If you don’t have one, just forward the video to 4 minutes and 30 seconds. I do advise buying an over-ball, they are pretty cheap and you can purchase them easily online.  In Dojiva Pilates we use them for many exercises and they easily inflate and deflate for travel!

This routine takes just 10 minutes, is easy and enjoyable.  Sense your body, your posture and your presence before and after. Once you have practiced it, you can do it every day.

Take care

Thanks Danny

 

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