What Is Lateral Breathing?

VFJ Pilates | Questions Answered

Lateral breathing is not just different a way of breathing. It is the chosen technique used by Joseph Pilates in his Controlology method.

It is the perfect breathing technique to use to complement your Pilates practice. It is, however, a little tricky and can take some getting used to. So let's explain a little more, and talk you through the basics, you will be a pro in no time.

Lateral breathing is a good technique to use whilst doing any exercise, but in particular it is very effective during ab work.

It is a less efficient method of breathing, than others, as it doesn’t get as much oxygen into the body but it does enable you to keep your abdominal muscles pulled in at the same time as breathing, which can somtimes be difficult to do.

It can be particularly difficult to do both together if you usually breath into your abdomen, such as in belly breathing. This is why lateral breathing is such an effective method to use, as it directs the breath away from the abdomen, though it can take a little practice to master.

How do I lateral breathe?

Place you hands onto the sides of your rib cage.

Inhale - through the nose, into the sides and back of the body and rib cage. Feel your ribs push your hands outwards.

Exhale - through the mouth, allow the ribs to contract. Feel the hands draw back towards each other.

Try lateral breathing next time you are doing an ab workout and see if it makes a difference!

Victoria xx

P.S.

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Sources:

https://www.vfjpilates.co.uk

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/guide-to-pilates/