Did you know there is a proper way to breathe while you stretch? Stretching is like most physical fitness techniques: you can get a lot of mileage out of breath control.
While you can benefit from stretching even if you aren’t practicing proper breathing, you can receive many more with the proper techniques, including deeper relaxation, increased circulation, and reduced lactic acid build-up. You’ll even find that you can stretch far more deeply when you’re breathing properly, which means you’ll get more out of every stretch you do.
Don’t Hold Your Breath
If you’re breathing at all, you’re already ahead of the game. Many people hold their breath during stretch sessions.
Yet failing to breathe can actually put you at risk for injury, even if all you’re doing is engaging in a series of gentle stretches. This is because breathing helps to send oxygenated blood to your muscles. Without oxygen and nutrients, your muscles will start to burn and grow tired faster.
Breathe Slowly and Deep
Relaxation is one of your goals here. To that end, you want a deep breath with as much oxygen as possible. When you exhale, do so slowly rather than all in a rush.
Establish a Rhythm
Breathe in, slowly and deeply, during the stretch set-up. Exhale as you execute the stretch. Inhale as you hold the stretch. Exhale to deepen the stretch, but don’t force your muscles. Then, inhale again as you come out of the stretch. Be especially mindful of your breathing rhythm during challenging stretches.
Keep your breathing smooth, even as you keep the motion of your body smooth. If your breathing is shallow, choppy, or irregular, stop, reset, and begin breathing again.
Stay Mindful
Remember, your breath should complement your movements and enhance your experience.
Pay attention to any areas of tension and discomfort while you stretch. Use your breath to relax tight muscles. Visualize them becoming loose and supple every time you exhale.
Finally, enjoy this time to practice mindfulness and self-awareness! Let go of distractions, be present in the moment, and enjoy your stretching time.
If you want to stretch even more deeply, don’t forget to make an appointment with Reach Stretch and Recovery! Our stretch therapists can help you achieve deeper, fuller stretches than you could achieve on your own, allowing you to maximize the benefits of stretching. We’ll be happy to help you practice proper breathing techniques while you’re here!
REACH’s 2 STEP APPROACH TO RECOVERY THERAPY
RELAX – RESTORE – RECHARGE
Step 1: Identify Your Problem Areas
- It all starts with your Mobility Risk Factor Assessment called
. - This helps us identify the root cause of your current problem areas due to:
– Life’s Daily Wear & Tear
– Your Aches/Pain
– Muscle Imbalances & Weakness
– Flexibility/Mobility Limitations
– Posture Issues - A Mobility Risk Factor Assessment is a MUST before starting any Stretch & Recovery Therapy Program.
Step 2: Targeted Recovery Therapy
- Your Mobility Risk Factor Assessment helps us create a Personalized Recovery Therapy Plan that targets your problem areas which will Shorten your Recovery Time.
- Each of our Stretch & Recovery sessions are a balanced blend of Corrective Stretch, Percussion, Compression, CBD and Heat
Vibration Therapy. - Risk Factor Re-Assessments:
– Suggested every 30-60 days
– See your improvements
– Realize the benefits of Stretch & Recovery
Therapy
