Many people think that the process of breathing happens automatically and so, we cannot do much about it to enhance our health. On the contrary, if we learn to breathe in the right manner, we can certainly add more 'life' to our life.
Among all the nutrients we need, oxygen is the most essential. Breathing is the process through which we get the required oxygen for our body cells and therefore, we need to look at it more closely.
All of us know that it is the diaphragm that helps us in the process of breathing. When we inhale, this muscle contracts and pulls the air into our lungs. Once the lungs get filled up, our ribs expand. When we exhale, our diaphragm relaxes and our abs contract. Our ribs get back to their normal position while the air comes out of our lungs.
We tend to stop paying attention to our breathing because our nervous system generally takes automatic control of it. But we can consciously control it. Especially, athletes and sports people will benefit a lot if they control their breathing. Of course, even non-athletes can control their breathing and benefit. The following exercises may help.
Blowing Up Balloons
This helps in full exhalation for which you have to use your abdominal muscles. You must inhale fully first and then, blow up the balloons forcefully. When you blow air into the balloons, your abdominal muscles contract. You must empty your lungs of all the air. You must repeat this exercise a number of times.
Wall-Sitting and Deep Breathing
You should sit erect against a wall and practice deep and slow breathing with your arms stretched forward. After taking deep breaths, you must try to expel all the air from your lungs. This exercise helps you use your diaphragm in the right manner.
Forceful Exhales
You must inhale air passively and exhale forcefully. This is a yogic exercise and this contracts and relaxes your abdominal muscles. You should keep your mouth closed while doing this exercise.
Abdominal Hollowing
You can do this exercise by standing tall or lying on your back. You must try to contract and pull your abdominal wall but you should not move your pelvis or spine. You should repeat this exercise as many times as possible.
Since you will be using your diaphragm and abdominal muscles effectively in these exercises, your body will get a good supply of oxygen. So, you are certain to derive excellent health benefits from these exercises.
Raman Kuppuswamy writes informative articles on several topics. Kindly visit http://hubpages.com/profile/dreamdamodar to read his articles on various other topics.
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