Homework #4 Lateral Breathing

In your Pilates class we focus big time on lateral breath work, utilising the fullest and deepest capacity of the lungs as we inhale and connecting to our abdominal powerhouse on the exhale.

The breath is important for so many reasons

🌬️ helps to engage the power house- our deep abdominal muscles to help create strength, stability and control throughout movement

🌬️oxygenates the body as we work

🌬️brings our attention deep within us, allowing the parasympathetic nervous system to function. This is why you feel so calm and focused after class.

Sometimes breath work can be confusing when we’re also asking the body to move in a new way, so it’s worth practicing the technique for a few minutes each day. Not only will this improve your practice allowing you to focus more on precision and technique, you’ll benefit from a few moments of calm connection to your body, a perfect antidote to daily stressors.

You can practice breath work standing, sitting, lying on your back with knees raised, whilst in child’s pose, however feels best to you and gives you the best connection to the ribs, abdominals and pelvic floor. Experiment with different positions to see how it helps or changes how you breathe.

Enjoy!

🎥

Lateral Breathing