Do you know how to breathe? Chances are, you’re doing it wrong. Breathing properly cleanses the lungs, brings oxygen to the cells and calms the mind. Ever did a breathing workout? Try it. You’ll love it!

Before you start…

Remember, this workout doesn’t involve your back. Your focus will be on blowing out air. Use your oblique muscles (the sides of your torso), your abs, intercostals (the inside of your ribs) and your pelvic floor muscles.

Similar to fire breathing in yoga, this exercise is designed to clear out your lungs and system. You should feel a release of stress and be more relaxed.

The Workout

Get on the floor on your hands and knees. You can also lean on a chair if you have knee problems. Make your back straight like a tabletop and keep your body still, except for your belly. Release the muscles of the belly. Let it relax and allow gravity to release the abdominal muscles toward the floor. Don’t hold the ab muscles in and relax the hips.

Now inhale and fill the belly with as much air as you can. Focus on bringing the belly in simultaneously with the exhale. It may take a little concentration, but it gets easier the more you do it. Inhale and drop the belly back down toward the floor. Exhale, squeezing all of the air out of your belly. Repeat this sequence several times until you tire your muscles and begin to feel a burn.

Make a note of how many times you contract the abs. Work to increase that number each time.

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