Following on from our recent ‘Guided Pratice 4: Contrast’, here is a breakdown of the two categories and how they relate to improving our health and performance. These are two big ideas that we will be discussing more in future instalments, but for now let’s review the core concepts. Mechanical / Structural Components - Diaphragmatic Strength: Encompassing size, endurance, power, contractility and tonicity. - Posture: Understanding the alignment of the ribcage and pelvis, and how breathing effects this relationship. Sternocostal angle ect. - Core Strength & Stability: Pressure and the intra-abdominal cavity (IAC/ IAP), coordination of the inner unit of core muscles. Biochemical / Physiological Components We will keep this as simple as possible, highlighting the Big 3 molecules in relation to respiratory physiology. - Oxygen (O2) - The Fuel Cells need oxygen to produce energy (ATP) for everything from walking to thinking. Without it, energy production shuts down. - Carbon Dioxide (CO2) - The Unsung Hero Contrary to popular belief, it is not just a waste product. CO2 is crucial for health because it triggers the release of O2 from red blood cells into the tissues (the Bohr Effect). Higher CO2 tolerance allows the body to operate efficiently without panic-breathing. - Nitric Oxide (NO): The Airway Opener Produced in the nose, this gas is a vasodilator, meaning it widens airways and blood vessels. It improves oxygen absorption in the lungs and increases oxygen delivery throughout the body. OK team , please let me know if there’s anything you need more clarity with here, ask questions if you have them ☺️

Welcome back team! This weeks Ohm Breath Academy (OBA) practice has a few different elements to it including cyclic breathing and breath holds after exhalation. Remember - It's all about rhythm and relaxation. The more you can consciously soften and relax your body (especially during the breath holds) , the more benefit you will receive from the practice. Feel the rhythm and let it flow! Please comment and let everyone know what your experience with this practice was like... It will help our community of breathers GROW :) BONUS POLL: How long was your final exhale breath hold?

Hello again my fellow breathers, this week I am introducing a very important idea that we will no doubt revisit in the future. The idea of ‘Contrast Training’ in this environment relates to 2 core components that we must understand: 1. Mechanical Aspects of Breath Training 2. Physiological Aspects of Breath Training Please let the questions flow for anything you don’t understand and go over to the education tab to watch the review video on the subject. Meanwhile, I have another poll for you all 😉 What is more important to train?

Hello team! Here is a simple yet profound technique that is foundational to improving your breath awareness and control. We are aiming to extend each nasal inhale and exhale to 5 seconds - this is the basis for achieving an OPTIMAL physiological state. It is relatively easy to maintain when focusing on a guided practice like this, but to maintain this rhythm throughout the rest of the day/ week/ year is where the real game begins. We will dive deeper into the science and practice of breath holds as we progress. Come back to this technique as often as you can. Practice it first thing in the morning and last thing at night. And of course relax, have fun and enjoy the process!

Hello there my fellow breathers, I have 3 simple questions for you all: 1. Have you practiced breathing as a trainable skill before? Or is this the first time? 2. What are the things you have the most difficulty with when it comes to learning how to breathe or practicing breathing? 3. What is your WHY? Why are you wanting to learn how to breathe? BONUS: Where are you from and how's the weather ;)