This is a weekly series on exercise that will give you the biggest bang for your exercise buck in and out of the gym. Today’s exercise is all fours belly breathing.
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You should do this because- it’s the original core exercise and can help with low back pain, especially if you have a big arch in your lower back. Otherwise known as extended posture. And is a great reset for posture in general.
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Makes your everyday life easier because– breathing correctly helps with stress and helps you relax and unwind.
Form tip – Get on all fours and make sure your low back isn’t arched. Breath in through the nose, into your belly and as your exhale, push your hands into the floor and round your upper back. Repeat for six breathes.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYMu5UL-ans&w=560&h=315]
2 Comments
linmarieda
Am I right in thinking that this is similar to cat-cow in yoga? I remember reading a post a short while ago which explained that this sort of breathing, coupled with a tightening of the core muscles helped define the waistline..? Either way, I love this as a way to finish a work-out.
Balance Guy
Thanks for stopping by. Well it’s, kind of similar because of the all fours position but Cat -Cow is used to mobilize the spine and for people to tell the difference between spinal and hip movement. Yes, breathing coupled with a forced exhale will help strengthen the core muscles. If you have any more questions feel free to ask.