Hello, everyone. I'm looking forward to another great day of healthy breathing. Will get my reps in at work tonight as time permits.

One question I have is this. When doing a flexing exercise, does it really matter if you inhale while starting the flex or can you flex and then inhale? Just wondering.

Have a great day everyone. As always...peace and blessings.

Rich

Hi Rich!

It sounds like you're off to a great start! Did you read the breathing tips under newsletters and announcements at the top of the board? They are excellent!

I'm copying a bit of that post here, in answer to your question:

Make sure you RELAX your abdominal muscles (very important!) when you inhale. You MUST relax your abdomen in order to breathe in deeply and fully. Allow your tummy to expand freely as the air fills your lungs, but don't "push" it out forcefully.

It may be easier to relax your abdominal muscles if you will ALSO relax any other muscles that you are tightening (arms, legs, etc) as you do the body positions. (go ahead and stay in whatever position you are doing for all four breaths, but "ease up" on the muscle tightness as you inhale.)

"Lift" and tighten your abdominal muscles AFTER the inhale, as you do the 3 extra sniffs. This tightening is the same kind of muscular contraction that your abs will do automatically when you cough or sneeze -- but in the case of Oxycise! we ask you to practice HOLDING that contraction throughout the 3 sniffs, exhale, and 3 puffs. (The more you practice, the better you will get!)

Susanna

Hi Susanna,

Thanks for your reply. Yes, It felt a little awkward trying to do the breaths and exercise at the same time. That's what prompted my question.

I will keep viewing my tapes and practicing until I get it down pat. I'm trying to figure out how to incorporate some strength training with the breathing. Would like to use resistance bands and dumbbells while Oxy-breathing, if that's possible.

One thing for sure is, I can really feel that my abs really got a workout. I never did like doing situps OR crunches. This makes ab work easy.

Rich