Breathe For Life - Breathing Training

BREATHING TRAINING

WHAT IS "BREATHING TRAINING?"

The breathing we do to stay alive is an automatic function, however, an ability to specifically control how we breathe is required for a number of activities, and does necessitate special training. The breathing used for singing is a perfect example of the kind of breathing being referred to.

"Breathing Training" as defined by Sophie simply means to firstly be trained in becoming acquainted with your breathing muscles and controlling them, and then learning different breathing techniques. Irrespective of what styles of breathing you choose or need to learn, the purpose of this section is to give you an awareness of what is taught in a practical Breathing Training session.

AM I TOO OLD OR YOUNG TO LEARN BREATHING TECHNIQUES?

Breathing is part of the involuntary nervous system; it is also part of the voluntary nervous system, which means it is a function that can be changed at will. It also means that anyone at any age can learn breathing techniques. Young children have been trained, as well as people over seventy years of age, and they all have been able to successfully grasp the techniques. So regardless of age or inexperience in Breathing Training, everyone has the ability to improve the quality of their breathing and learn a number of different breathing techniques.

(N.B. The information above does not apply to people with respiratory or heart disease, or anyone seeking medical advice for any reason. Only advice approved by a medical specialist should be followed.)

WHAT IS TAUGHT IN A BREATHING SESSION?

There are numerous breathing methods that exist, but certain fundamental aspects are needed to establish a foundation before trying to learn breathing techniques. Some of the most important aspects which must be covered are:

Firstly, you need to know the difference between shallow breathing and deep breathing, and also what a poor quality breath is compared to a good quality breath. You will not be able to progress properly until you know the differences.
Next, you need to make sure you have correct posture (so that you can breathe fully).
Then you must become acquainted with your diaphragm and abdominal muscles, and learn how to properly tighten and relax them at will.
You have to be able to control and move the lower ribcage, diaphragm and abdominal muscles without an exaggerated movement from the shoulders.
The ability to regulate your breathing is crucial, so that you can breathe both gently and powerfully; this gives you versatility, enabling you to learn a range of breathing techniques.
Gentle and relaxed breathing must be achieved before attempting to learn more challenging methods of breathing.

All of the above are taught in a breathing session, which serves as a basis to continue on with other aspects of Breathing Training. It is easy to learn specific breathing techniques once the basic lessons are mastered. There are numerous areas where the techniques can be applied, so what is subsequently taught varies according to each individual's interests.

Most people want to learn how to deeply relax and also be able to exercise without struggling. Others want to improve their singing or stretch effectively. Irrespective of what techniques are learnt, everyone would benefit from learning to control their breathing muscles, and also master Relaxation Breathing.

WHAT DOES A BREATHING TRAINING INSTRUCTOR DO?

A Breathing Instructor is like a breathing coach who teaches different aspects of breathing. There are also instructors who teach a specialized form of breathing only for their particular field, for example a singing or yoga teacher.

Sophie has created her own style of teaching breathing, and has been teaching for over ten years in Australia and overseas. Each session is designed depending on the needs of each individual, including the breathing used for specific activities. If you would like more information for either private or group training, e-mail: sophie@breatheforlife.com