Although we will are constantly breathing we give little thought to what is actually happening.

Let’s take a look…

Step 1. Lie on your back with the knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
Step 2. Place your left hand on your belly and your right hand on your chest
Step 3. Breathe in a long, slow deep inhale through your nose. Notice how this will encourage a slight backbend in your lower back.
Step 4. Exhale slowly controlling the the exhale so it is long, slow and silky. Observe how this causes the lower back to flatten slightly.

What is happening:

On The Inhale:
The Diaphragm contracts (drawns down)

• The sides of your body expand
• The chest lifts
• The back ribs expand
• The belly expands
• The pelvic floor muscles move down

On The Exhale:
The Diaphragm releases

• The belly releases
• The abdomen draws in
• The ribs draw in and down
• The pelvic floor lifts

Conclusion: The exhale has a stabilizing effect on your bodies core muscles when you engage in conscious breathing.