Having difficulty breathing during yoga practice or your workout. Uttanasana (Standing forward bend) can help you link breath to movement.
The proper way to do Asanas (postures) is to keep muscles and joints soft around the challenge of the breath.
For some reason breathing is hard for me to do during asanas and I find myself holding my breath. I was told by a yoga instructor to try Uttanasana (see description below) at home to help connect my breathing to movement and to add effectiveness to my practice. So far, doing Uttanasana 5 times, twice a day helps fill my lungs (I initially started coughing, I was surprised how much I could inhale, before the exhale) Try doing this Asana 5 times every day for a week and you will notice you are less likely to hold your breath during any type of exercise. It really works!
Honestly, I am not sure why it worked nor why doing Uttanasana 5 times a day for 1 week was the right combination for success. But for those of us that have a hard time with consistent breathing during any type of workout this might be the right solution for you.
Uttanasana (standing foward bend) – -Do 5 times a day for 1 week. Focus on the inhale and exhale while doing this exercise.
Inhale: raise arms overhead, elbows alongside ears, feet hip-width apart
Exhale: Slowly fold over legs, soften knees to allow space for tight hamstrings and lower back, rest hands or in front of feet.
Inhale: Lift up half way, extend the spine (straight spine) and touch fingertips to the floor.
Exhale: roll up to standing.
