WODdoc Episode 183 Project365: Diaphragmatic Breathing

Resetting the diaphragm is something we all should do on a regular basis. It is simple and easy and only takes 2 mins out of your night. The diaphragm is crucial in maintaining core stability. Here is the problem… we do everything we can to make its job more difficult all the time.

Longterm slouching degrades our posture. As we slump our ribs approximate with our hips and we eliminate room for the diaphragm to contract and drop downward. After a while it stops trying and in a sense hibernates.

Think of today’s drill as a way of waking the bear up. It’s not that it can’t work its that it needs to be rustled up a bit.

Improving diaphragm activation does a lot of cool stuff but, here are 3 I like to mention.

1. Improves torso stability by increasing ability to create intra-abdominal pressure.

2. Increases oxygen respiration by as much as 50% by allowing lungs to fill completely.

3. Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which works to calm and relax the body leading to better rest and recovery.

Today’s WODdocket:

1. Tie a shirt around your stomach at the level of your belly button. Lay on your back with your knees bent. Place your hands on your sternum (chest bone). Practice taking deep diaphragmatic breathes for 2 mins.