It's shocking to think that we may not have a grasp of the most functions of our body. Something like breathing may seem automatic but a number of factors conspire to create bad habits. Therefore, it's ... Continue Reading
A Primer on Diaphragmatic Breathing
The most important element of life is the breath; however, most of us pay little or no attention to the way in which we breathe. Whether it is breathing correctly through an exercise, or taking a moment ... Continue Reading
Bracing, Breathing, and Belts – A Lifter’s Guide
The use of belts is a topic that is much considered, much debated, and sometimes contradictory - and that's just me. I have a lot to say when it comes to the use of belts, when we may or may not use them, ... Continue Reading
Does Nasal Restriction Really Improve Performance?
In many sports, especially combat sports, the use of restricted breathing in various forms, has become quite popular. In a recent study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, the practice ... Continue Reading
How to Breathe for Efficiency, Longevity, and Stress Relief
How has your breathing been today? If you don't know, then it is likely the quality of your breath has been poor. Few of us have developed good breathing habits, and most of us will never know unless we ... Continue Reading
Back to Basics: 11 Articles and Videos on Breathing Better
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. ... Continue Reading
The Neglected Training Mojo: Breath
Our breath is our primary nutrition. We can go without food for somewhere in the range of twenty to forty days, and we can go without water for a significantly shorter period of time at about three to ... Continue Reading
Using Hyperventilation to Improve Cardiovascular Performance
Dropping pH values in the body have long been associated with reduced performance. There are many reasons that a more acidic environment can have this effect, not the least of which is that the body ... Continue Reading
How and Why to Train Your Lungs
Working the respiratory muscles has long been a goal in fitness culture. It’s not something you’ll see a machine for in the gym, not even the hardcore gyms. No, working the muscles that drive your lungs is ... Continue Reading
Metabolic Breathing Ladders: Training in a State of Controlled Panic
For the majority of us, breathing is one of those qualities that we loftily take for granted. We depend on inhaling thousands of breaths a day, but do so without conscious thought of when they actually ... Continue Reading
The Vital Role of the Kiai, Grunt, and Otherwise Noisy Exhale
If you’re around my age, you might remember the old Saturday Night live skit, “At Home with Monica Seles.” In the skit, much fun was made of the way the former tennis great would emit loud grunts on the ... Continue Reading
Respiratory Muscle Training Improves Performance
Athletes are constantly searching for new ideas or training methods to help them gain an edge over their competition. Respiratory muscle training (RMT) falls into this category and typically involves a ... Continue Reading
Buzz Open Your Sinuses – 2 Strategies for Simple Allergy and Sinus Relief
In many parts of the country, pollen is currently circulating through the atmosphere. This time of year can create challenges for people with asthma, allergies, or illnesses affecting the sinuses, nose, ... Continue Reading
Meditative Breathing Practice Increases Vital Capacity and Lowers Blood Pressure
New research is further confirming the positive effects of a meditative breathing practice. Research published in the Journal of Physical Education and Sports Management, examined the effects of a 6 week ... Continue Reading
