Abdominal Breathing Exercises

Abdominal breathing exercises aren't just for Olympians. They are for anyone who wants to feel better and look better. Use abdominal breathing exercises to boost your workout. Looking for ways to cut stress? Think about using these deep-breathing techniques.

Function

Breathing is an involuntary, natural part of life. The intake of air and release of carbon dioxide ensures that life continues. The involuntary, sometimes-shallow breathing of everyday life isn't deep breathing. Deep or abdominal breathing can be learned. Learning abdominal breathing exercises can help you get in shape and stay in shape. Abdominal breathing exercises can be performed in a variety of ways. Breathing from your abdomen takes a little practice, but the benefits have been clearly documented.

Benefits

Abdominal breathing is achieved when you breathe from your diaphragm. Your diaphragm is the muscle that is under your chest but above your stomach. Breathing from this area of your body rather than the lungs gives you a euphoric feeling of relaxation. Your heart's blood flow regulates to its optimum performance, flowing in and out of the veins smoothly. Oxygen is carried throughout the body through the blood cells, regulating your systems. You feel better and find your body performing better. As this breathing promotes the distribution of oxygen throughout the body, it is a proven method to raise metabolism and help you lose weight.

Exercises

A basic technique of abdominal breathing starts in the prone position. Lie flat on the floor or in your bed. Place your hand on your abdomen. Breathe in deeply from your nose, slowly pulling in as much air as you can. Keeping your hand on your abdomen, slowly release the air through your mouth. Make sure you release the air from your abdomen area. You should feel your hand depress slightly as this happens. Do this five times. Take a one-minute break and repeat the procedure as many times as you like. Another type of abdominal breathing exercise is a little more technical. It is called the Bellows. This is done sitting upright. Repeat the above steps, except for the exhalation. Exhale through the mouth but rather than one smooth blow, use short, rhythmic blasts to expel the carbon dioxide. This is the right method to use when you need instant stress relief.

Warnings

There are not too many down sides to abdominal breathing exercises. Just be careful not to overdo it. If you do too much at once, you could pull a muscle that isn't used to being worked very hard or, at the very least, make yourself feel a little lightheaded. Take your time standing up from the prone position.

Time Frame

Abdominal breathing exercises only take a few minutes every day. Spending 10 minutes a day or every other day can make you healthier. Use these relaxing breathing techniques before you go to bed or first thing in the morning. You'll feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

Resources

• American Medical Student Association