Relationship Between Stretching and Breathing
Deep breathing while stretching enhances the stretching experience. Not only does breathing help to relax into the stretch, but it also helps you get the most out of your stretching routine. According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology “proper breathing while stretching increases circulation, relaxes the body and helps get rid of lactic acid buildup”.
When you breath in, you pull air into your lungs. This causes the diaphragm to contract and press down on your internal organs and blood vessels. Then, as you exhale, refreshed blood moves throughout your entire body. The blood flow helps to improve the elasticity of your muscles.
Intentionally incorporating breathing while you stretch helps you get the most out of each stretch you perform. It helps to relax the muscles and prep your body to move into and hold the stretch. By focusing on your breath, it reduces the risk that you may hold your breath as you are stretching.
Maintaining your breath throughout stretching also helps your mind and body relax. Take the time to focus on your breath, and then make the effort to deepen it as you stretch and focus on the muscle that is being stretched.
While at first it may take a lot of effort to combine your breathing with stretching, the more you practice it, the more natural and automatic it will become. Sometimes it can be helpful to take a few minutes before starting to stretch to get into the zone with your breathing and start noticing your breath.
Attending a stretch therapy session can be a great way to tap into adding breathing into your stretching routine. A trained stretch therapist will guide you through the movements and stretches, leaving you free to concentrate on breathing into each stretch and noticing how your breath feels and changes.
Sources:
https://woman.thenest.com/breathing-important-during-stretching-18639.html