Breathing. We do it all day, every day. So what’s there to learn? As it turns out, the answer is rather a lot. Becoming better at breathing is advantageous for everything from relaxation to performance. And let’s be honest, you get plenty of chance to practice! Here are eleven pieces to take you through the ins and outs of mastering this seemingly basic task.
Breaking Muscle Video – Just Breathe (Traver H. Boehm)
Breathing is important, trust us on this one. Learn the most efficient way to breathe as well as a few tips for breathing during a workout.
How and Why to Train Your Lungs (Doug Dupont)
Can you really make your lungs stronger? And does that have an effect on performance? Respiratory training might seem like a gimmick, but a research review shows it just might work.
Breaking Muscle Video – Yoga For Athletic Guys, Part 1: Foundations and Breathing (Jon Kolaska)
The 1st in a 3 part series, “Yoga For Athletic Guys.” In part 1 we go over the basic ideas behind yoga and breathing techniques. Useful techniques for both health and relaxation.
The Neglected Training Mojo: Breath (Brooke Thomas)
Our need for oxygen is well established (duh). So what about athletes who are restricted in their breath due to structural compensations, and therefore are receiving sub-optimal cellular nutrition?
Video: Breathing and Abdominal Bracing For Strength (Chris Duffin)
Breathing and abdominal bracing are probably the most important aspects of successful lifts. This video will show you how to breathe properly so you can pick up heavy stuff.
How to Activate Your Diaphragm to Improve Breathing and Performance (Simon Kidd)
In my own experience as a coach, many people could benefit from some simple exercises to improve activation of the diaphragm. This would improve breathing, and therefore also performance.
Five Minute Yoga: Learning the Breath Ceremony (Willow Ryan)
No time for yoga? Take five minutes to breathe, first thing in your day, and see how much of a difference it makes, without taking any extra time from your schedule.
The Vital Role of the Kiai, Grunt, and Otherwise Noisy Exhale (Eric C. Stevens)
Grunting might get you kicked out of Planet Fitness, but all athletics come with their version of a forceful, audible exhale. This exhale serves a purpose and your performance will lack without it.
Metabolic Breathing Ladders: Training in a State of Controlled Panic (Scott Abramouski)
The “forgotten” variable in your training is your breathing patterns. Breathing ladders will provide a challenge like no other you’ve experience, as well as offering great results.
Dear Willow: Which Breathing Should I Use in Yoga? (Willow Ryan)
I am working on my yoga breathing – when should I use alternate nostril breathing and when should I use Surya Bhedana? Are there particular benefits to these types of breathing?
A Simple Breathing Exercise for a Balanced Mind (Bethany Eanes)
Sometimes life has us feel stressed and unbalanced. This leads to issues of anxiety and a lack of sleep. Try this simple exercise that only takes a couple minutes, and will balance your mood and mind.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
