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Breathing, one of 5 Key Elements to Pilates

“1) Breathing

Pilates aims to correct the pattern of breathing.  This enhances oxygen transport to the working muscles and removes waste products produced from exercise.  Using the wrong muscles for breathing can cause fatigue and pain.

Lateral Breathing teaches you to expand your lungs and rib cage as you breathe.  Focus on your breathing: it helps to relax and connect your mind with your body.  Place your hands across the lower part of your ribcage to feel its movement; keep upper arms and shoulder blades relaxed into the mat.  As we breathe in, our ribcage moves upwards and outwards.  Breathe in wide to the sides and back of your rib cage.  Breathe out: your rib cage relaxes down and inwards towards the waist.  Imagine your ribcage gently sliding downwards and inwards to meet your waist as you breathe out.  Maintain this breathing as you learn the next key elements.

Aim: Incorporate these key elements into your daily life to improve your posture and body alignment awareness.”

http://www.eastdevonphysio.co.uk/5-key-elements-to-modified-pilates.html