Episode 50: Bracing versus Breathing

Movement Logic: Strong Opinions, Loosely Held

In this episode, Laurel and Sarah discuss bracing and breathing. Why are we all so confused about our breathing mechanics and convinced we’re doing it wrong, no matter what we’re doing? When is the right (and wrong) time to brace when lifting something? What’s the difference between bracing and bearing down? And is navel to spine even doing what we think it’s doing?

You will learn:

• Is there a right and a wrong way to breathe
• How social media influences our sense of right and wrong breathing
• Breathing vs bracing in yoga, Pilates, and strength training
• Common postural tension that can impact breathing
• Sarah’s favorite injury
• How Sarah teaches breathing in the clinic
• Anatomy of breathing
• What bracing for a heavy lift actually entails (hint: it’s not bearing down)
• When to use bracing in strength training
• The value of trunk stability and what navel to spine is actually doing
• Whether pranayama techniques should be done all the time
• How to cue diaphragmatic breathing
• Whether pranayama is the most efficient way to challenge the cardiovascular system and increase breath capacity

And more!

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Season 1 Episode 10 Is there a Right and a Wrong Way to Breathe?

Season 1 Episode 19 Oh NO! Nose Breathing and Nitric Oxide

Email Apnea article