In Bikram Yoga classes, Pranayama Breathing is the first exercise we do in the class…and one of the most coordinated! If you’re confused at what’s going on here and why, you’re not alone! What’s everyone doing with their arms, their head, their breath?
Beginners are often confused with this posture!
PRANAYAMA BREATHING HAS LOADS OF BENEFITS, INCLUDING:
- Expells carbon dioxide
- Transfers oxygen to muscles and organs
- Expands your lungs
- Improves blood circulation
- Helps to increase your focus
- Good for your lungs and the respiratory system!
OK….but, still HOW do you do it?!
HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO BREAK IT DOWN:
- Breathe in by your nose, out by your mouth, all the time through your throat.
- Breathe in as much as possible, as long as possible and as slowly as possible.
- Take the entire six counts to fill up your lungs, and six counts to empty out.
- Keep your feet together, knees locked, squeeze your glutes, stomach in, spine straight.
- Inhale elbows up and shoulders down, chin level with floor, look straight ahead, breathing in by your nose and through your throat, snoring sound.
- Exhale by your mouth through your throat (like you’re trying hack up a hairball!!), head back with help of knuckles that are glued to chin, look for the back wall, keeping chest lifted, shoulders down and elbows towards front mirror, away from chest.
Watch the short video linked above to see the breakdown, and try it in class next time!
We’re here to help, so don’t hesitate to chat with us about any of our postures!