Try this:
Take a balloon or soda straw, sit down, lean over your knees, and try to blow into it for as long as you can. When you can’t possibly blow out any more, HOLD this position and ……….then……….wait ………..5…………. seconds before you attempt to breathe in again. This breathing OUT exercise should help you find your deep, core belly muscles. These muscles, when properly used, help to pull your ribs down at the very end of your OUT breath.
When we use our core belly muscles properly during breathing OUT, then our posture for breathing IN is naturally improved. Now that’s a breath of fresh air that everyone can use!
Jean Masse Genova DPT, OCS, ATC
