Move
WHY BREATHING IS A KEY COMPONENT OF BARRE3
Lots of wellness programs have workout and nutrition components—but a breathing component? Welcome to barre3. We chatted with barre3 VP of Resarch & Development, Lisa Schale-Drake, about the role breathing plays in your overall wellbeing.
Q: I breathe 24/7. Why do I need breathing exercises?
A: Your body creates patterns based on your lifestyle. Many of us live a go-go-go lifestyle, and our breath patterns reflect that. Breathing is the only survival system in our body that’s both conscious and subconscious—you can’t tell your heart to slow down, for example, but you can control your breath. Breathing consciously is the quickest way to become self-aware, and that’s something we can all use.
Q: How does breathing fit into an exercise program?
A: Breath is a huge part of exercise. It brings oxygen to your muscles, so it literally fuels your workout. It also puts you more in tune with your body. When you pay attention to your breath, you tap into what’s going on with you physically. You’re no longer on autopilot. You’re more aware of what your body needs, and you can consciously put your energy toward that.
Q: Should I feel different after I do the breathing exercises?
A: Yes. The whole purpose of these exercises is to help you understand how breath works and to bring more balance to it. They will help you feel calm, centered, and grounded. You’ll also feel like you can make clear choices.
Q: When should I do the exercises? How many times a day?
A: Anytime. There is truly no one right or wrong time. Fit the exercises into your lifestyle where you feel you’ll get the best out of it. Some people like to do them in the morning for extra focus throughout the day. Some like it around 3pm to counter the midday slump. Others swear by it at night to help them unwind before going to sleep. Don’t stress about when to fit it in—just find a time that’s convenient for you.
Q: Any other breathing wisdom for us?
A: Once you’ve learned these techniques, I encourage you to take bits and pieces of the breathing exercises and incorporate them into your life. If you’re feeling in a little bit of a rut, do some deep breathing. Try breathing consciously before you exercise, attend a meeting, interact with others. It will help you enter the situation with a clear head and manage your energy. And remember, these exercises are meant to help you learn much more about your body; everybody can do them. Just press play!
We’ve unlocked Lisa’s breathing exercise so you can see what it’s all about. No need for a screen or any props—all you need to do is press play, listen, and follow along. If you love it, sign up for a 15-day free trial of barre3 online for more movement and breathwork exercises!
Lots of wellness programs have workout and nutrition components—but a breathing component? Welcome to barre3. We chatted with barre3 VP of Resarch & Development, Lisa Schale-Drake, about the role breathing plays in your overall wellbeing.
Q: I breathe 24/7. Why do I need breathing exercises?
A: Your body creates patterns based on your lifestyle. Many of us live a go-go-go lifestyle, and our breath patterns reflect that. Breathing is the only survival system in our body that’s both conscious and subconscious—you can’t tell your heart to slow down, for example, but you can control your breath. Breathing consciously is the quickest way to become self-aware, and that’s something we can all use.
Q: How does breathing fit into an exercise program?
A: Breath is a huge part of exercise. It brings oxygen to your muscles, so it literally fuels your workout. It also puts you more in tune with your body. When you pay attention to your breath, you tap into what’s going on with you physically. You’re no longer on autopilot. You’re more aware of what your body needs, and you can consciously put your energy toward that.
Q: Should I feel different after I do the breathing exercises?
A: Yes. The whole purpose of these exercises is to help you understand how breath works and to bring more balance to it. They will help you feel calm, centered, and grounded. You’ll also feel like you can make clear choices.
Q: When should I do the exercises? How many times a day?
A: Anytime. There is truly no one right or wrong time. Fit the exercises into your lifestyle where you feel you’ll get the best out of it. Some people like to do them in the morning for extra focus throughout the day. Some like it around 3pm to counter the midday slump. Others swear by it at night to help them unwind before going to sleep. Don’t stress about when to fit it in—just find a time that’s convenient for you.
Q: Any other breathing wisdom for us?
A: Once you’ve learned these techniques, I encourage you to take bits and pieces of the breathing exercises and incorporate them into your life. If you’re feeling in a little bit of a rut, do some deep breathing. Try breathing consciously before you exercise, attend a meeting, interact with others. It will help you enter the situation with a clear head and manage your energy. And remember, these exercises are meant to help you learn much more about your body; everybody can do them. Just press play!
We’ve unlocked Lisa’s breathing exercise so you can see what it’s all about. No need for a screen or any props—all you need to do is press play, listen, and follow along. If you love it, sign up for a 15-day free trial of barre3 online for more movement and breathwork exercises!
