Breath/Heart Connection

"Every day, you breathe in just over 2,000 gallons of air—enough to almost fill up a normal-sized swimming pool. It's the amount needed to oxygenate approximately 2,000 gallons of blood pumped through your heart daily" -American Lung Association

In through the nose - out through the mouth or nose.

This is what I typically cue in a yoga or pilates class. Our nose hairs are meant to filter bacteria! Thus, the importance of inhaling through the nose and not the mouth. You may find you need to practice breathing in through your nose.
There are so many different breathing techniques out there, but consistency really is the key. My favorite, when I am stressed or need help falling asleep, is a

4 count inhale-pause and 8 count exhale- pause.

6 years ago I was asked to teach a support group of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics meditation and breathing techniques. Every person in the room was amazed at how good they felt after just one 5 minute breathing session. Many had never been taught the importance of breathing. Personally, it was a gift to see how something our body wants so badly and is free can have such a positive affect on someones life.

"Oxygen is a key ingredient along with the foods we eat that enable us to produce the energy we need to do even the most basic tasks of our everyday life"

So, this Valentine's Day and American Heart Month give your heart the gift of breath! There is evidence that just 2 minutes of deep breathing can have amazing benefits.

From my heart to yours!

Before each of my yoga and pilates classes, we practice different types of breathing. If you only have 5 minutes, hop into a class for just a bit and practice breathing.

Movement, love, and laughter to you!