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Fitness

Mind and Body Modalities Increase Cardiorespiratory Functioning

Alternative modalities for health and fitness are becoming more popular in practice and research today. What can learning to breath do for your health?

Mindith Rahmat

Written by Mindith Rahmat Last updated on June 17, 2011

Alternative modalities for health and fitness are becoming more popular in practice and research today. A recent study examined the effects of a yoga breathing practice on heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and cardiorespiratory functioning. Researchers assessed cardiorespiratory responses before and after the yoga breathing session. Researchers found that heart rate and systolic blood pressure significantly decreased after the yoga breathing session, and peak expiratory flow rates increased. The results indicated that the yoga breathing significantly improved overall cardiorespiratory responses.

Another study examined the benefits of a Tai Chi Chuan practice and cardiorespiratory fitness among older Tai Chi practitioners. Researchers examined 28 males with a regular practice of Tai Chi and 30 sedentary men. Measurements were taken in both sample groups including; resting heart rate, cardiovascular function, balance, sit and reach test, total body rotation test, and a three minute step test. The results of the study indicated that the Tai Chi sample had healthier scores for resting heart rate, reach, balance, flexibility, and overall cardiorespiratory fitness.

These studies demonstrate that alternative mind and body programs can effectively augment a more vigorous exercise program as well as be an option for fitness for individuals with limitations.  A breathing practice initiated either through yoga or a Tai Chi can significantly improve cardiorespiratory function, decrease heart rate, blood pressure, promote relaxation, and a sense of calm. Future studies should investigate the use of alternative therapies including yoga and Tai Chi with a larger demographic of athletes and nonathletes to validate and further examine the findings of this research.

Mindith Rahmat

About Mindith Rahmat

Mindith is a born mover. She has spent her life exploring various athletic disciplines, starting with ballet and modern dance from an early age. She went on to become a E-RYT 500 certified yoga therapist and teacher and discovered CrossFit after the birth of her daughter.

Mindith coached CrossFit at a number of boxes near her home in Southern California, which lead to her involvement in Russian kettlebells and Olympic weightlifting. She has coached a wide variety of populations and cares deeply for women’s health, specializing in pregnancy and postpartum fitness. She is currently studying the principles of Natural Movement and Kettlebell Sport, and is working to complete an additional teacher training in the Taoist art of Yin Yoga with Master Paulie Zink.

Mindith founded Breaking Muscle in 2011. Over 5 million people a month have visited the site, hundreds of thousands of them follow Breaking Muscle on social media, nearly 2,000 coaches have written or appeared on its pages, and there are thousands of free, fully-formed training plans freely available. Breaking Muscle has won numerous awards in the industry and is recognized for pioneering new approaches to fitness and coaching techniques. In 2021, Breaking Muscle was acquired by Barbend. Mindith continues to devote time to her kids, pursue her doctorate in psychology, do research, and teach.

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