I just started the Oxycise program this morning and I already have a question about the technique. In the video Jill refers to "rolling it up" and "zipping it in". I don't know if I am doing the technique correctly but my body is going through all kinds of contortions trying to inhale tuck and doing the three breaths. Is the tuck the same a sucking in your gut?

Hi Dave...welcome to Oxycise! If you go to the announcements section of the board, you will find some breathing tips posted by Julie (Jill's assistant). It should help you figure things out.

Come join us in the D2L (determined to lose) forum!

Kelly

Hi Dave,

Believe or not, the breathing does get to be a familiar thing...not really so odd as it seems to you now. Julie's tips are really helpful, both on the "announcements" section, and down on the "ask Julie" section. Keep us posted on your success!!

Susanna

Hi Dave. I had some difficulty with the breathing at first too. I had just switched over from Bodyflex so I think I was confusing the two. But you will get used to the Oxycise breath if you choose to stay with it (which I hope you do!) Good luck!

You're a social worker? I'm currently going to school for social work. I'll have my MSW in May. What kind of social work do you do?

Caroline

Welcome!

I like to suggest to new Oxycisers that the "Lift, tuck and tighten" feels similar to what your abdominal muscles do automatically when you cough -- because everyone knows how to cough, and can relate to that.

(Try coughing without tightening your abs... you can't get any power!)

When you do the Lift, you do a similar tightening/contracting of those same muscles... except that you KEEP them tight.

(But remember to always RELAX your abdominal muscles each time you inhale)

So relax on the inhale, take in lots of air, then "LIFT" (tighten your abs) and hold that tightening throughout the 3 extra sniffs, exhale and 3 puffs. The trick is to really work your abs, exhale LOTS of air, and keep tightening your abs until the very last puff. You should really feel it in your abs if you are doing it right. Your ab muscles should be like an engine compressing the air in your lungs and pushing it upward and outward.

Once you have all that down, start working on pulling your lower abdominal muscles in at the same time you do the "Lift" -- as if trying to "zip up a tight pair of jeans". This may become easier as you practice more.

And as an extra protection for your lower back, "tuck" your buns in -- by doing a pelvic tilt. (In other words, tilt your hips so you flatten your lower back more).

Breathing deeply and powerfully is a skill that takes time to perfect. Done correctly, the breathing should be relaxing and invigorating at the same time... and both gentle and powerful!