Breathe Better to Move Better
If you’re working on your mobility but still feeling tight or restricted, your breath might be the missing link.
Most people think of breathing as just… breathing. But the way you breathe impacts how well your body moves. Shallow, chest-based breathing can keep you in a constant state of tension, limiting your flexibility and making movement feel harder than it should.
Your diaphragm (the main breathing muscle) isn’t just for pulling in oxygen—it also plays a big role in core stability and spinal movement. If it’s not working well, other muscles take over, leading to tension in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. That tension can create the very restrictions you’re trying to stretch away.
On the flip side, breathing properly—deep into the belly—helps:
- Relax tight muscles
- Improve spinal and ribcage mobility
- Increase oxygen flow for better movement and recovery
A Quick Breathing Reset
Try this simple drill to see how your breath affects your mobility:
- Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat on the floor.
- Place one hand on your chest, one on your belly.
- Breathe in through your nose and focus on expanding your belly, not your chest.
- Exhale fully (like you’re fogging up a mirror) and feel your ribs gently drop.
- Repeat for 5-10 slow breaths.
Now stand up and check how your body feels—chances are, you’ll notice an immediate difference in how freely you can move.
Take This Into Your Training
Next time you’re doing mobility work, pair it with deep, controlled breathing. Instead of forcing a stretch, exhale fully and let your body ease into it.
Want more ways to improve mobility without stretching? Ask me about the next Mybod In Motion Intake and discover a smarter way to move.
