Day 1: Standing Deep Breathing

Pranayama, Standing Deep Breathing

Good for your lungs and respiratory system!

The first thing that we ask you to do before the breathing exercise is put your feet together. This can feel incredibly hard! Try to place your feet truly together with heels and big toes (or bunions) touching. This can feel weird and unsteady, but with a little practice and patience, you will soon be standing with feet together no problem.

Here are just some of the benefits of Pranayama:

• Increases circulation of oxygenated blood throughout the body

• Helps lungs reach their maximum expansion capacity

• Loosens shoulders and neck

• Relieves irritability and relaxes the mind

• Helps to treat and prevent asthma, shortness of breath, bronchitis, emphysema

• Builds concentration and focus

Additionally, this slow and synchronized breathing is important because sometimes we are quite literally running into class. Breathing slowly and deeply, matching the length of your inhales and exhales, you will calm down your own nervous system. How cool!