When exercising we always encourage proper breathing to brace the core. In a conversation yesterday diaphragmatic breathing came up. This breathing technique involves really pulling from the diaphragm and belly breathing vs chest breathing.

Wikipedia states “Diaphragmatic breathing, abdominal breathing, belly breathing or deep breathing is breathing that is done by contracting the diaphragm, a muscle located horizontally between the chest cavity and stomach cavity. Air enters the lungs and the belly expands during this type of breathing. This deep breathing is marked by expansion of the abdomen rather than the chest when breathing. It is considered by some to be a healthier way to breathe, and is considered by some a useful form of complementary and alternative treatment.”

To check your breathing technique lie on your back and place a hand on the chest and belly. Breath in and out and see which hand moves up and down. That will tell you if you are belly dominant or chest dominant. Practice pulling from the belly. In addition, breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth helps circulate oxygen, control the heart rate and settle your breath post workout.