Mar

8

On the Firing Line (Fifteenth in a series) Breathe, Breathe in the Air

One of the first exercises we do in clinics is called “Learning to Breathe”. Of course, the athletes have quizzical looks on their face and say, “But we’ve been breathing all our life. What do you mean?” After sharing a laugh, we explain. Infants and very young children breathe very naturally with their belly being drawn down and slightly out as the diaphragm is lowered in order to fill the lungs. Sometime in childhood, as the stress and rush of modern life takes its toll; the natural belly breathing is replaced by a breathing technique that uses upper chest expansion to draw air into the lungs.

In natural belly breathing, the lungs fill in roughly three stages. First the lowest part of the lungs begins to fill as the diaphragm is drawn down and the belly is pushed down and slightly out. Then the middle part of the lungs fill as the lower rib cage expands slightly. Finally, the upper part of the lungs is filled as the upper chest expands. In the more typically observed upper chest breathing, only about 30% of the lung capacity is utilized. Belly breathing has significant positive effect on both the body and the mind.

Vinh Tu writes:

Back when I took piano lessons, I remember getting some advice on how to breathe while playing certain passages. Recently while playing some rhythm-based video games, I've noticed that either I hold my breath, or try to time my inhalation or exhalation so as not to disrupt my rhythm. The wrong syncopation between your breath and the beat can throw you off the rhythm.

Laurel Kenner responds:

For a smooth motion, action should come after you start to exhale.


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1 Comment so far

  1. Derek Gard on March 10, 2023 5:27 pm

    Sorry for being off-topic. I do not know how to add a new post. Today, 3/10, seemed like a good day to take the cane Victor and Laurel sent me many years ago off the wall and pick of some of the sales I see. Although I have not posted in a long time, I treasure that gift. It hangs on the wall at my desk as a constant reminder to keep my head when all about me seem to be losing theirs. Again, apologies for the interruption.

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