Deep breathing, stress and core fitness

08/11/2022

Strength and conditioning are an important part of any athlete's training program, and it's also a vital component of rehabilitation programs for people who have been injured. If you're thinking about continuing your studies with a master's degree in strength and conditioning, you will already know about the importance of exercise, nutrition, and rest when it comes to maximising the benefits of your training regime. But there’s another aspect of your training regime that is often overlooked.

High stress levels can affect almost every aspect of your training. From your strength, your body composition, your training performance, recovery capacity and even your diet adherence.

In this blog we'll explore the importance of breathing as a stress reduction technique, and we'll give you some tips on how to improve your breathing technique. So if you're ready to learn more about the importance of breathing in strength and conditioning, keep reading!

Breathwork – what is it?

Breathwork is a breathing exercise that is often used for fitness and relaxation purposes. There are many different breathing techniques that can be used in breathwork, but the basic idea is to focus on breathing deeply and slowly. This can help to lower your heart rate and blood pressure, and it can also promote relaxation. Breathwork is often used as a way to reduce stress, and it can also be helpful for people who have anxiety or panic disorders.

When we're under stress, our bodies go into "fight or flight" mode, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones can lead to increased blood pressure and heart rate, as well as faster breathing. While this response can be helpful in the short-term, sustained exposure to stress can be detrimental to our health. Over time, it can weaken our immune system, increase our risk of heart disease, and make us more susceptible to injuries. So next time you're feeling stressed, take a deep breath and remember that it's not just your mental health that's at stake - your physical health is important too!

Resources on breathing...

Wim Hof

Breathing techniques are not just for the yoga mat. In fact, breathing plays a key role in overall fitness and well-being, and that's where Wim Hof comes in.

Known as the 'Iceman,' Hof is a Dutch daredevil who has made a name for himself by taking on some of the most extreme conditions on Earth. But what many people don't know is that Hof has developed a unique breathing method that he believes can help people to better withstand cold temperatures, improve their athletic performance, and boost their immune system.

While scientific research is still in its early stages, there is some evidence to suggest that Hof may be onto something. So whether you're looking to take on Mount Everest or just want to stay healthy during cold and flu season, it might be worth giving the 'Iceman' a try.

Jack L. Feldman

Jack L. Feldman is a world-renowned breathing coach who has helped countless people improve their breathing and overall fitness. A former competitive swimmer, Jack has been teaching breathing techniques for over 30 years. He is the author of six books on breathing, including the best-selling "Breathe to Succeed: How Top Athletes Use Breathing Technique to Enhance Performance and Maximize Results."

Jack's unique approach to breathing combines elements of both western and eastern medicine. He is a strong advocate for the use of breathing exercises to improve overall health and well-being.

Most of us go about our days breathing without giving it a second thought. But the truth is, the way we breathe can have a profound impact on our physical and mental well-being. When we're feeling stressed, our breathing becomes shallow and fast, which can lead to muscle tension and increased heart rate.

So next time you're feeling frazzled, take a few minutes to focus on your breathing and let the stress melt away. And if you’re looking to further your studies after completing your degree in a subject like sport and exercise science, coaching, or physiology, then you can practice some deep breathing techniques while you read about the MSc Strength and Conditioning course at Bolton University.

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