Top 5 Science-Backed Benefits of Pranayama Breathing in Relation to Fitness

Pranayama breathing is a powerful tool for improving overall fitness levels. Here are the top 5 science-backed benefits of Pranayama breathing in relation to fitness:

Improves Lung Function:

Pranayama breathing exercises can improve lung function by increasing lung capacity and strengthening respiratory muscles. According to a study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, practicing Pranayama breathing exercises for just 15 minutes a day can significantly improve lung function and respiratory muscle strength.

Enhances Cardiovascular Health:

Pranayama breathing exercises can also improve cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure, lowering heart rate, and increasing circulation. A study published in the International Journal of Yoga found that practicing Pranayama breathing exercises for 12 weeks resulted in significant improvements in blood pressure and heart rate.

Increases Energy Levels:

Pranayama breathing exercises can increase energy levels by increasing oxygen intake and reducing fatigue. According to a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, practicing Pranayama breathing exercises for just 10 minutes a day can significantly increase energy levels and reduce fatigue.

Improves Posture:

Pranayama breathing exercises can also improve posture by strengthening core muscles and improving spinal alignment. According to a study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, practicing Pranayama breathing exercises for 4 weeks resulted in significant improvements in postural alignment and core strength.

Promotes Relaxation:

Pranayama breathing exercises can also promote relaxation by reducing stress and anxiety levels. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, practicing Pranayama breathing exercises for just 20 minutes a day can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels.

Overall, Pranayama breathing is a powerful tool for improving fitness levels and overall health. By incorporating Pranayama breathing exercises into a regular exercise routine, individuals can experience significant improvements in lung function, cardiovascular health, energy levels, posture, and relaxation.

How to Practice Pranayama Breathing

Pranayama is a powerful breathing technique that can help you achieve a deeper sense of relaxation and focus. In this section, we will explore the basic and advanced techniques of Pranayama breathing, as well as how to incorporate it into your yoga practice.

Basic Techniques

The basic techniques of Pranayama breathing involve deep, slow breathing through the nose. One of the most common techniques is called “Ujjayi,” which involves inhaling deeply through the nose and exhaling slowly through the mouth while making a soft “ha” sound. Another popular technique is “deep breathing,” in which you inhale deeply through the nose and exhale slowly through the nose.

Advanced Techniques

Advanced Pranayama techniques involve more complex breathing patterns, such as alternate nostril breathing, Bhramari, and Kapalabhati. Alternate nostril breathing involves inhaling through one nostril and exhaling through the other, while Bhramari involves inhaling deeply and exhaling while making a humming sound. Kapalabhati involves rapid, forceful exhalations through the nose.

Incorporating Pranayama into Your Yoga Practice

Pranayama can be incorporated into your yoga practice in a variety of ways. One way is to practice Pranayama breathing before or after your yoga class. You can also incorporate Pranayama into your yoga postures by focusing on your breath and using it to deepen your stretches and poses.

Breath retention, also known as Kumbhak or Kumbhaka, is another way to incorporate Pranayama into your yoga practice. This technique involves holding your breath for a period of time after inhaling or exhaling. Bastrika is another advanced technique that involves rapid, forceful inhalations and exhalations through the nose.

Overall, Pranayama breathing is a powerful tool that can help you achieve a deeper sense of relaxation, focus, and well-being. By incorporating Pranayama into your yoga practice, you can deepen your connection to your breath and experience the many benefits of this ancient practice.

Overall, Pranayama breathing is a powerful tool for improving fitness levels and overall health. By incorporating Pranayama breathing exercises into a regular exercise routine, individuals can experience significant improvements in lung function, cardiovascular health, energy levels, posture, and relaxation.

Our Sunday Recovery Class starts next Sunday, July 2nd!

Yoga + Pranayama Breathing + Meditation, Fused Into One Perfect Class: Click here for details.

Here’s your instructor Yessi.

We are planning a quick Q&A next week before classes start. Have questions before you signup? You can leave a comment or contact me personally and Yessi or I will answer each one.

Michelle

Michelle is a Certified Fitness Instructor trained in formats that bridge breathing, dance, bodyweight training, yoga, pilates, martial arts and meditation. Her passion is to show others rhythm in breath, foundation in form, structural balance, functional movement, and freedom of spirit. She encourages students to learn various formats to strengthen what comes naturally, develop in areas that are challenging, and experience a fitness journey full circle. She has taught students and faculty at Pratt Institute, nurses and chemotherapy patients at Brookdale Hospital, and instructed at the NYC Corporate Headquarters for Spotify, Indeed, Emblem Health, and Pinterest. She’s committed to continue sharing ways to help clients balance the body, relax the mind, and develop confidence within.

Tara

Tara is a certified FRC mobility specialist with a goal to invigorate curious wigglers so that they can expand their functional range of motion, create intentional movement with ease, and adapt to variables in their everyday life. Tara also specializes in menstrual biohacking for those seeking hormonal harmony in their fitness journey.

​Tara’s approach to life is curious & collaborative. Already an accomplished dancer, choreographer & aerialist, curiosity led her to examine the ways in which our bodies can become inefficient and immobile. Armed with degrees in Theatre & Dance from The University of Alabama, & professional certifications in Functional Range Mobility & Yoga Trapeze, she set out to train and guide others toward harmony in their human hardware through movement for everyday life.

Yessi

Certified in Power Yoga and extensively trained in all forms of yoga, meditation, cardio, and strength training, making it fun and effective. I have all of my clients do all forms of breath-work because everything starts with breath. I find that people tend to hold their breath on a daily not allowing oxygen to flow through the muscles which is the only way you can truly release tension. Helping you to get back to your true energy underneath all the layers. I really love working with children since I can be a big kid myself which is why I am also able to bring that out of the adults I work with.

I believe that in this moment where you are now, you have a choice, that either leads you closer to your soul or further away from it. Something I’ve learned from training my clients is how important accountability is. You have to be there for yourself in order to improve and it’s a beautiful thing to accept that you need a push and help from someone in order to achieve that. It’s all about taking steps which is what I love to help my clients with.