Breathing exercise?

[ProudVegan]

Does anyone know any good breathing exercise techniques to help take in more oxygen?

[RockabillyVegan]

to take in more oxygen? I'm not quite sure what you mean by that. If you're looking to have more control of your breathing and breath more efficiently I would suggest kundalini yoga. go to www.raviana.com their dvds are really good and have worked very well for me.

[paisleyjane]

There are breathing exercises in Bikram Yoga, too. The first pose is all about getting the most oxygen into your lungs as possible.

[ProudVegan]

can you share those?

[RockabillyVegan]

there are a bunch for kundalil yoga, it's not just one exercise and it takes time. But look up Ravi Ana on youtube, there are a bunch of clips

[paisleyjane]

This is a video of a guy doing Pranayama (the Bikram breathing exercise)

I'm not very good at explaining this, because I'm still really new to it, but here it goes:

Basically, clasp your hands under your chin, elbows together.

Slowly breathe in as deep as you can, and simultaneously raise your elbows towards the roof. Get as much oxygen in your lungs as possible, (and then keep trying to get more!)

Once your elbows are up and your lungs are full, tip your head back and bring your elbows together, exhaling alllllllllll the air from your lungs. Push it ALL out, until your lungs are empty. You will probably make strange noises when exhaling, which is fine.

Once your lungs are completely empty, part your elbows again and start bringing in as much air into your lungs as possible. (Elbows going towards the roof again)

Repeat. You should do this 5-6 times, take a short break to shake out/rest your arms, and then do a second set.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sNLqzGw6Xg

If you follow along with the video just remember:
Elbows going up = breathing in very deeply
Head going back = pushing all the air out of the lungs

There are many claims of physical & mental benefits to this, if you google Pranayama you will find them :)

[greensgood]

i really like this one we do in yoga often: basically you just close off one nostril and breath in then release that nostril and close off the other side and breath out, then breath in on that side and repeat.

[ProudVegan]

Thank you so much!!! I am definitely going to try them!!!

[paisleyjane]

You're welcome! :D

The Bikram one I posted might not make a lot of sense without the instructor to guide you... but it's worth a shot :)

The nose/nostril one sounds good too - would force you to breathe slowly :)

[Alex =)]

Basically anything that puts strain on your lungs (not smoking) will help increace there efficency... ...free divers are renowned for having increadible lungs, so try holding your breath?