Using Your Breath to Improve Your Posture

We've all heard the old adage, take nice deep breaths especially in the face of stress. It's easier said than done though a pattern of shallow breathing can alters your breathing patterns thus directly impacting how your muscles, bones and nerves work together to create movement. 

With negative stress, our breathing becomes shallow causing our bodies to use "secondary respiratory muscles ( parasternal, scalenes, sternocleidomastoid, trapexius and pectoralis muscles) instead of "primary respiratory muscles" (diaphragm). http://www.dukechironyc.com/images/posture_back_6.jpg 

Over-activity and use of secondary respiratory muscles can cause muscle imbalances (muscle tightness in over-active muscles and weakening of under-active muscles), leading to headaches, dizziness, light-headedness and poor posture. Shallow breathing also limits your body's ability to take in adequate amounts of oxygen or rid itself of carbon dioxide leading to inefficient muscle function, decreased energy, muscle stiffness, anxiety, fatigue, poor circulation and poor sleep patterns. 

Remember to take some time to focus on your breath