Earlier today I was talking to my Pizzazz Factor clients about the importance of breathing to enhance your presence… but how important is breathing when it comes to exercise?

Well… you might realize the importance or even think it is a no-brainer – but I promise you there is more to it than you might think.

There is a reason why Yoga and Pilates instructors put so much emphasis on breath… and not just any breath – but breathing deeply and fully. Your whole body relies on oxygen to function, but once you learn to breathe properly the benefits are endless.

In the gym I often see the weight lifters hold their breaths or push real hard when they lift heavy weights… I cringe when I think what damage they might be doing by depriving their bodies of oxygen while they work out… not to mention that they can burst an artery with the amount of stress they put on their blood vessels by cutting off the oxygen flow… you can be so much stronger when you use your breath to your advantage.

Breath energizes, it revitalizes and it calms. By breathing deeply and fully you will get so much more out of your workouts. You will have more energy, you will feel stronger and you will have more control over your heart rate and your whole body in general. It centers you… helps with balance and concentration…

Some even say that the simple act of deep breathing can also assist with weight loss because the intake of sufficient oxygen also helps your body metabolize better and faster. Your body needs oxygen to function… and the more oxygen it gets, the better it functions. It makes total sense…

So when you do your Hot Burning Body Workout… Be mindful of your breathing. I pay a lot of attention to your breath when I teach and I sporadically remind you to inhale and exhale with deep, full breaths.

The same for when you are doing your HBB stretches… breathe air into your muscles… feel the muscle fibres opening up and lengthen. Breath is so very important when you are stretching. By breathing deeply and correctly you will find that the muscles will be much more likely to lengthen.

When you inhale… really think of filling your lungs from bottom to top, like filling a bucket with water… and when you exhale, empty your lungs out to make space for the brand new oxygen rich air. Whatever you do, don’t hold your breath! Breathe!

Breathe to energize

Breathe to restore

Breathe to calm

Breathe to balance

Breathe for optimal strength and power

Breathe for flexibility

Breathe for better concentration and focus

Breathe to get the most out of your workouts!