Why Breath?

Breathing is essential—it's the first thing we do when we’re born and the last thing we do before we die. Yet, we often take it for granted and rarely give it much thought.

Joe Pilates, the creator of the Pilates Method, emphasized the importance of breath. In his book, Return to Life Through Contrology, he describes how many people suffer from poor breathing habits, which can lead to a buildup of harmful germs in the lungs and contribute to various health issues.

Sue Hitzmann, founder of the MELT® Method, points out that we take around 28,000 breaths each day. If we're not mindful, our breathing efficiency can decline without us even noticing. The diaphragm, the primary muscle for respiration, needs to function optimally for effective breathing. If you're only using part of this muscle, you're not breathing efficiently. Try this simple test: place one hand on your chest and the other on your back. Notice if both hands rise and fall equally. If not, it might be time to reconsider how you’re breathing.

When you breathe correctly, you stimulate your diaphragm and trigger neurological signals that help stabilize your spine, pelvis, and core. But if your breathing is compromised, adding movement or weights can make this imbalance even more noticeable. Proper breathing often requires conscious effort, especially amidst distractions.

Donald A. Neuman’s Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System explains that ventilation—how air is inhaled and exhaled—is crucial for sustaining life. This rhythmic process, happening 12 to 20 times per minute at rest, is vital for maintaining bodily functions. According to Boyle’s Law, the volume and pressure of a gas are inversely related, which impacts how we breathe. During inspiration, the volume of the thoracic cavity increases due to muscle contraction, while expiration reduces this volume, often occurring passively in healthy individuals.

So, consider making breathing the first exercise of your day. When you wake up, take a few conscious, deep breaths—long, wide, and filling—from throat to pelvic floor, left to right, and front to back. This practice can help activate the core components that support stability and proper posture. Proper breathing helps prevent organ compression and enhances movement efficiency.

Notice how practicing breath awareness can reduce tension and promote a sense of ease throughout your body. The body naturally seeks alignment, and poor habits—like slouching—can disrupt this balance, leading to inefficient breathing and movement.

Some people claim to have a magic wand when it comes to teaching fitness, but the true magic lies in understanding and teaching proper breathing techniques. The first thing I focus on in my teaching is activating the correct reflexes and achieving the right neurological timing for a stable torso. This stability fosters good posture and biomechanics, allowing for efficient and aligned movement.

Remember, breathing is crucial—don't ignore it. Practice it diligently, and master the art of effective breathing for better overall health and movement.