Be Breathed vs. Lateral Breathing

[Nonomori]

My Russian Natural Health Library arrived Wednesday (much earlier than I expected, given the out-of-the-country announcement). I have only had time to watch Be Breathed, but already I have questions...

My biggest question, I must admit, has to do with the routines. Practicing good breathing habits makes sense to me, but I don't understand why I should choose to spend fifteen minutes doing a Be Breathed routine, versus doing something more active - or at least more varied, such as a Pilates routine. What exactly is the unique benefit I'm supposed to expect?

Another thing I'm wondering about involves the applicability of the Be Breathed technique to different physical situations. Although there seems to be some variation in how breathing is taught when applied to particular Pilates exercises, it is interesting to compare and contrast the general principles taught in Pilates technique with Be Breathed. In Pilates, you use "lateral breathing", in which, as far as I can tell, the inhalation seems to differ from Be Breathed primarily in that the belly is not distended. This breathing technique is designed to enable you to maintain activated abdominals.

It seems to me that Pilates lateral breathing makes more sense in a "typical" strength-building exercise situation where you want to keep the core activated. On the other hand, the fuller breathing of Be Breathed feels a lot better when sitting at a desk.

Am I missing something here?

[Scott Sonnon]

Can I ask your name? Please sign your posts for courtesy's sake, since your name is not included in your username.

I introduced Performance Breathing in Be Breathed as a primer for the general public to get acquainted with the methodology. Dykahniye - Natural Energy expands this in exercise selection. Furthermore, I've written in detail about the methodology in Body-Flow and to a lesser extend in Clubbell Training for Circular Strength when regarding strength and conditioning. The exercise nuance introduced at the beginning of Be Breathed: extending the abdominal wall is an entry level exercise to become aware of 'being breathed' by movement - and does not even include structural manipulation of breath.

Perhaps some of the Pilates instructors can explain the difference for you. Otherwise, you'll need to explain in detail what "lateral breathing" involves.

Yours in strength,
Scott Sonnon

[Nonomori]

OK, I stuck my name in my signature. Sorry 'bout that.

If I understand it correctly, lateral breathing involves expanding the rib cage to the sides without extending the abdominal wall, and without lifting the chest. I'm afraid I don't know enough about anatomy to know which muscles are used. I do know (from personal experimentation) that you can breathe into the chest and/or extend the abdominal wall without this sideways expansion.

Thanks for the clarifying the context of Be Breathed. I guess now I know which tape to watch next...

[Scott Sonnon]

Brent,

Now I understand you better (and know how to address you :P ) Thanks.

What you describe as "lateral breathing" is one of the three levels of breathing, which Dykhaniye calls "intercostal breathing" or Middle breathing level. There are also "clavicular breathing" (or Upper breathing level) and "diaphragmatic breathing" (or Lower breathing level.)

Be Breathed is an introduction to "diaphragmatic breathing" since the deepest is often the most difficult for people. Read about this in the "Coach Sonnon's Musings" forum the thread entitled "Counter-Conditioning Dysfunctional Breathing Patterns."

Let me know your progress.
Yours in strength,
Scott Sonnon