5-Day Mobility Challenge – Day 5: Breathing

Day 5 Mobility Routine: Just Breathe (10 Minutes)

Our breath can impact our physical body, our nervous system, and it can allow us to anchor/ground ourselves.

Why Breathing Matters

Breathing pattern disorders (BPDs) include a range of abnormal respiratory patterns, such as shallow breathing from our upper chest, or hyperventilation, where we breathe too quickly. Breathing dysfunctions impact our energy levels, mental clarity, chronic pain conditions, and overall well being.

Relaxed Breathing – 3min/day

Lay on your back with a pillow under your knees. Rest your hands behind your head (if that’s not comfortable for your shoulder place your hands on your belly). 

From a lunge, place both hands on the ground, rotate open toward your front leg, and then drop your elbow toward the floor. Add a hamstring stretch for bonus benefit.

4-point with Breathing – 2 x 10 reps

Go on your hands and knees, with your hands under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Breathe in through your nose and allow your belly to expand/relax towards the ground. Breathe out slowly and feel your belly gently rise towards your spine. 

Side Lying Rotation – 2 x 10 reps

Laying on your side, bend the top knee and straighten the bottom knee. As you breathe into your belly rotate your upper body allowing your top arm to move with you. As you breathe out, return to your starting position. 

Pro Tip:

Breathing well allows us to move well, continue to practice this on a daily basis and watch the difference unfold. 

Final Thoughts

If you’re feeling stiff, tense, or like your breathing just isn’t quite right, you’re not alone. Breathing and mobility are closely connected, and small changes can make a big difference in how your body feels and moves. If you’re in Kingston, ON, working with a physiotherapist can help you identify your specific breathing patterns and movement restrictions so you can build a plan that actually works for you. Book with us today to discover how you can help improve your mobility.