I have been reading the book and practicing the breath over the last two days. I find the breath quite exhausting and I tend to bring up my shoulders. So much of the effort is to keep them down. So I am making it a bit less effortful. In fact if I leave off the sniffs I can almost make it spiritual. Yoga like, in fact. My abs hurt a bit and today I feel rather sick. But I am pretty sure I am actually detoxing - flushing out toxins. Whenever I have made attempts to diet or other beneficial changes, this does happen to me. I am feeling emotionally rather raw too. Just part of the process, I guess. And believe me, I certainly didn't diet over the last few days. It's just the breathing!

Welcome, Sonya,

Keep at it......it does get easier. I am fairly new, also; I've been here about 6 weeks, now. I haven't been able to do the whole tape at once, yet, but I'm getting there. And drinking plenty of water is best, too..........I just wrote on the D2L forum that I was having trouble drinking my water and now here I am telling you about it! But I know it helps get the toxins out.

Hang in there

Welcome to Oxycise!, Sonya!

Really try to relax while doing your breaths. That will help you keep from tensing or lifting your shoulders.

As for the extra sniffs and puffs....they really do help work your abs. Whether you can take in anymore air or not, you can feel it working those muscles when you make the attempt.

Yes, Oxycise! can be very relaxing and is a great stress reducer!

Come post with us in the D2L (determined to lose) thread each day for support and encouragement.