Formerly a resident of Greenville, SC, Stacie Wilk currently works for Hewlett Packard Enterprise as an executive recruiter. There, she collaborates with multiple departments to negotiate offers of employment for executive-level job roles within the company. In her free time, Stacie Wilk enjoys staying physically fit with Pilates.
Pilates is an exercise system designed mainly to increase core strength. With a heavy focus on technique, proper breathing is one of the most important aspects of Pilates. Breathing properly will help provide oxygen to your muscles while also reduce tension throughout your body.
The easiest way to get your breathing technique down is to listen for breath cues from your instructor. If you are on your own or your instructor is not providing cues, remember that it is generally best to inhale while extending or stretching your spine, and to exhale when you flex or round your back forward.
Since many Pilates exercises require a tightened core, you will have to learn to breathe laterally. Lateral breathing is where you pull air into your ribcage and chest instead of your abdomen, expanding your ribs as you inhale.
The last thing to remember is how you should inhale and exhale. The general rule for Pilates is to inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth.
