We all have been guilty of sucking our tummy in at some point – I remember doing it before a job interview when I was 100KG and it made me uncomfortable and anxious. Needless to say the interview didn’t go as per plan.
Firstly you are suppose to have a slightly round tummy not FLAT as believed by many through media exposure. Unfortunately our current cosmetic standards glorify these unhealthy obsessions. A flat stomach is weak and functionally vulnerable.
Secondly sucking your tummy in creates faulty breathing pattern which leads to weak core, compromised spinal health, shoulder pain and postural issues etc. Anyone with back pain can get immediate relief by proper breathing…
So how to breathe correctly? BREATHE LIKE A NEWBORN:
If you want to observe perfect breathing just watch a newborn. They naturally practice deep, or diaphragmatic, breathing by using the diaphragm, a muscle under the lungs, to pull air into the lungs. Visually, you’ll see the belly expand as they inhale air through the nose and into the lungs. As they exhale, the belly contracts.
As we grow we shift our breathing patterns because of environmental stressors (temperature, pollution, noise and other causes of anxiety). On top of all that there are pressures from society through made-up “cosmetic expectations” like flat stomach encourages holding our breath and sucking in our stomachs further encouraging faulty breathing.
Shallow breathing not only can have physical disadvantages it induces anxiety and stress. And it works in a cyclical manner where Shallow breathing causes stress and stress causes Shallow Breathing:
Another important thing I learned from the renowned Coach Steve Maxwell is:
NOSE IS TO BREATHE, MOUTH IS TO EAT
It stayed with me from the time I attended his seminar to this day – I quote him to everyone telling them to ATLEAST inhale from their nose. Initially everyone complains because their faulty breathing has become their norm and they don’t feel comfortable doing it any other way but like anything and everything with practice most of our members start breathing properly overtime.
