Weights - You take my breath away
I would like to invite you to start with some deep breathing exercises before you begin your workout session. Stand or sit with your eyes closed and take in a deep breath through your nose, hold it for one or two seconds and exhale through your mouth. Repeat this five times.
During this time you will feel your body relax and your shoulders drop, your mind will clear and your will be present for your session.
A great place to be!
Deep breathing before you exercise sets the stage for controlled breathing during your workout. It relaxes you and makes you more conscious of your breathing.
Breathing in through your nose increases circulation, blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, slows the breathing rate and improves overall lung volumes.
Exhale through the mouth as you do the hard part (concentric) of the exercise = push, pull or lift.
Inhale through the nose as you complete the easier (eccentric) part of the exercise. Never be afraid to take a moment to reset and begin your breathing and repetitions again.
For those who find this hard it will develop with practice and become part of your weights session. Controlled breathing engages the abdominals, exercising the abs as you perform your weights sessions giving your body the extra support and better outcomes from your weights session.
For those who hold their breath during weights sessions a word of warning, holding your breath increases blood pressure and may even lead to feeling faint.
Enjoy the weights and breath your way through the session
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary based on agreed goals. Click here for details.
