How to Breathe Properly While Working Out

Now that the nice weather is here, many of us are getting out and about for exercise.

When increasing cardiovascular endurance it's important to pay attention to your breathing. It's possible you are an Apical Breather (Chest Breather). When the chest is left responsible for working overtime to expand and recoil for forced breath, secondary breathing muscles end up being recruited. These muscles can be found in your lower back, between your shoulder blades. along your rib cage and in your upper trapezius. Have you ever felt a "stitch"? That's a secondary breathing muscle working hard to do the job of the diaphragm.

It's possible to start recruiting your diaphragm while exercising! Just like any other muscle in the body, it can be strengthened. While laying on your back, place your hand between your navel and where your ribs attach. Feel your stomach rise and fall with each breath. This will bring awareness to your centre as you engage your diaphragm. Want to increase strength and awareness in this area? Place a book in that same area on your stomach and continue with your belly breathing. Once you become comfortable with controlling your abdominal breath, try engaging that same feeling while cardiovascular exercise!