Breathe-easy exercises

Breathing happens automatically so you don’t need to think about it. But if you do, you can unlock stores of energy and unload stress 24/7 – plus be stronger, speedier and more centred during your workouts.

Try to do these breathing drills 3–4 times a week to make sure your diaphragm is flexing its muscle:

TABLETOP BREATHS

• Start on all fours.
• Exhale forcefully through pursed lips as you scoop your belly in without moving your back.
• Inhale as you allow your belly to fall towards the floor.
• That is 1 rep. Repeat for 30 seconds.

BELLY LIFTS

• Stay on all fours.
• Round your back and scoop your pelvis.
• Shift weight forwards so nose is over fingertips. Keep hips square as you lift your left hand off the floor.
• Hold this position while you take 4 or 5 deep breaths. Lower left hand.
• Switch sides and repeat. That is 1 rep. Repeat 4 reps.

RESISTED INHALE

• Stand with feet hip-width apart and wrap a light resistance band around your rib cage, holding ends tightly in each hand.
• Inhale, trying to expand the band.
• Exhale.
• That is 1 rep. Do 2 or 3 sets of 5–8 reps.