BREATHING DEEPLY – PART ONE

Breathing deeply develops strength in the lungs and abdomen. This strength can be used in our workouts for additional power in striking, throwing, leveraging, etc. Here is a way you can strengthen your abdomen and get in tune with your breathing. There are numerous benefits to doing some form of breathing exercise daily.

Method:

1) Sit down comfortably.

2) Place your hands at the knees, connecting the thumb and middle finger.

3) Breathe in slowly, counting the length of your in-breath.

4) Breathe out slowly, counting the length of your out-breath.

5) Repeat breathing for as long as you like.

Notes:

§ Open a window for fresh air.

§ Breathing in, fill your entire abdomen, and then go a bit further.

§ Breathing out, completely empty your lungs. Use your muscles.

§ Maintain evenness in your breathing. If you breathe in for 15 seconds, breathe out for 15 seconds. Build up to 30 seconds each way or longer, and develop a rhythm.

§ Do this while in bed at night to help you fall asleep, to calm an overactive mind, or any time when you want to relax yourself. (Careful not to breathe too quickly or you can become lightheaded).

§ Some people use breathing as a chi development exercise. The hand positions are a part of these exercises. In the beginning, think of it as a lung strengthening exercise. More information is available for those who want it.

§ Setting goals is helpful. 15 to 30 minute sessions a couple times daily will produce quick and noticeable changes in your diaphragmatic strength, and can lighten your overall mood. Time passes quickly when you get into it. The longer the better. If you just cannot find the time for 30 minutes a day, even 5 minutes before bedtime or doing it some other time during the day is still good. Keep improving!

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