Breathing exercises for weight loss without exhausting diets
The benefits of breathing exercises for health and weight loss
Breathing exercises are present in ancient health practices: yoga, Chinese gymnastics, oriental martial arts. Today, the health benefits of breathing exercises are confirmed:
Prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Breathing exercises normalize pulse and lower blood pressure.
Reducing stress. Breathing practices promote rest and relaxation and reduce the harmful effects of the stress hormone cortisol. Chronic stress is dangerous for decreased immunity and depression. Breathing exercises protect against the harmful effects of stress.
Strengthening muscles. The practice of breathing exercises makes muscle tissue more elastic. This helps with intense fitness activities.
Prevention of respiratory diseases. Breathing exercises allow the lungs to work fully and get rid of carbon dioxide and infections.
Strengthening the immune system. More oxygen enters the blood. Healthy blood circulation protects against diseases and inflammatory processes.
How breathing exercises help you lose weight
Breathing exercises not only improve your health, but also help eliminate fat, especially around the waist. Excess weight is lost due to several factors:
Breathing exercises improve digestion. Proper breathing harmonizes the functioning of all internal organs that come into contact with the diaphragm, including the stomach.
Exercise increases the amount of oxygen supplied, one of the main participants in fat burning.
Deep breathing practices rid the body of toxins.
About 70% of toxins are released from the human body when exhaled. If you always breathe only shallowly, toxins will accumulate in the body. This will lead to illness.
Breathing method for losing weight
Breathing exercises for weight loss have nothing to do with food or food products. To get rid of excess weight, use something that you do 12 to 20 times a minute, and don’t even notice - breathing. But what does gymnastics have to do with it and what does it have to do with losing weight?
Gymnastics is a sport that requires physical strength, endurance, flexibility and coordination. It's no secret that by playing sports you can lose extra pounds.
What if not everyone wants to exert themselves? There are special breathing exercises for such people. For many this will seem funny and frivolous, but this is not really the case.
Contraindications when performing breathing exercises
Breathing practices, especially those involving breathing cessation, are not for everyone. Restrictions apply to a number of diseases and conditions:
brain damage;
blood diseases;
kidney or liver stones;
recent stroke;
thrombosis;
high pressure;
myopia;
oncological diseases;
aggravated chronic diseases.
Pregnancy, lactation, myopia are incompatible with most breathing practices. However, there are separate gentle complexes that can be performed for pregnant and lactating women, as well as for people with poor eyesight. But before starting classes, you should consult your doctor.
The benefits of exercise if you are overweight
Therapeutic physical education (PT) for obesity is not only certain exercises, but also a whole range of measures aimed at correcting the functionality of the whole organism. With 1-2nd degree obesity, physical activity can be performed independently , focusing solely on one’s own sensations and capabilities.
But if a diagnosis of grade 3-4 obesity is made, then the help of a specialist is mandatory. A set of exercises will be compiled individually, taking into account the characteristics of health disorders.
What are the benefits of exercise therapy for obesity:
metabolism is normalized, in particular, fat metabolism becomes stable;
the functionality of all body systems is restored: cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory;
the immune system is strengthened, which will certainly lead to increased endurance and performance;
the muscular system becomes toned and remains in it around the clock;
the proportions between calories received from food and energy consumed are adjusted.
The ultimate goal of physical activity is weight loss, and this will definitely happen if you exercise not only regularly, but also correctly . Experts recommend supplementing standard workouts with walking.
This load is considered light, but in combination with fresh air it stimulates blood circulation, increases the supply of oxygen to tissues and improves immunity. The best part is that you don’t have to set aside any specific time for this, sacrificing your rest or communication with children and friends. After all, you can always give up public transport and walk a few stops home from work, go shopping on foot, and so on.
The real benefit of exercise therapy for obesity will only be if the classes are structured according to certain rules:
If stage 1 obesity is diagnosed, then walking at a fast pace and light jogging will be especially useful. The best choice would be active sports games, for example, volleyball, tennis, basketball. Classes should include a set of exercises with dumbbells to work the muscles of the back and upper limbs.
The second degree of obesity requires more frequent exercise, at least 3 times a week . The basis of the exercises is fast walking, light jogging and strength training. Cycling or exercise on an exercise bike will be useful.
Obesity of the 3rd degree is already a serious deviation in health, so you need to draw up a program only with a specialist in physical therapy. Training should be as frequent as possible (ideally daily), but moderate in intensity. It all starts with a minimum load, then it should constantly increase, but not in jerks, but gradually.
It is believed that at the initial stage walking, swimming in the pool and basic exercises for morning exercises will be useful.
You need to remember that one workout should last at least 30 minutes, but the first sessions can be shorter. Long-term stress, which is frankly exhausting, can provoke the development of arrhythmia and even attacks of heart failure.
Before starting exercise therapy for obesity, you need to tune your body and prepare it for future stress. Experts give the following recommendations:
You need the right psychological attitude. Obese people are embarrassed by their appearance and are openly afraid of the ridicule of others. In fact, most people don't care what they do around him. Moreover, you can conduct classes at home, where no one sees, and you will definitely get results.
The basis of all exercise should be walking in the fresh air. You can start by walking slowly for 15 minutes, but you should constantly increase the load. It is necessary to achieve an active walk, at a fast pace and for 30 minutes. Moreover, these classes should be carried out in any weather, you just need to choose the right equipment.
Each physical activity should be accompanied by proper breathing : inhales and exhales as deeply and completely as possible. If your breathing begins to become difficult and shortness of breath appears, then you just need to slow down the pace of your workout.
Even the most correct exercises for obesity from a specialist in an individual program will not give the desired result if an obese person does not reconsider his diet. A diet should be present in the life of a person losing weight; it is drawn up by a doctor taking into account health characteristics.
The result of exercise for obesity
Diaphragmatic breathing
The diaphragm is a muscle involved in the breathing process. It is located between the thoracic and abdominal sections of the body. As you inhale, the lungs expand and the diaphragm lowers. And as you exhale, the diaphragmatic muscle contracts and helps the lungs completely expel carbon dioxide.
Inhale: the chest expands forward (not upward), the diaphragm lowers. Exhale: the diaphragm rises, the chest contracts
If the diaphragm is not involved in breathing, then over time the lungs become less elastic and they stop absorbing the required amount of oxygen. Breathing becomes shallow, internal organs and all life processes suffer: toxins and fat accumulate. Therefore, it is important to learn to breathe so that the diaphragm is involved in the process.
Video: diaphragmatic breathing technique
Jianfei - Chinese breathing system
The positive effects of proper breathing have been known in the East since ancient times and the practice of “qigong” was used in martial arts.
The Jianfei method has been perfected in China for many years and literally translates as “lose fat”
It is considered the basis of beauty, longevity and harmony of the Chinese people. Practitioners call it nothing more than “magic.” The point is to use breathing to normalize metabolic processes in the body.
Gymnastics saturates internal organs with oxygen, due to which:
the tissue repair mechanism is launched;
immunity is strengthened;
weight loss quickly;
gas exchange in tissues and metabolism improves.
The technique involves performing 3 exercises, each of which has its own focus. “Lotus” and “Frog” will help improve health and cope with chronic illnesses. And the “Wave” exercise is effective for those losing weight, dulling hunger.
Hold off on the “Frog” exercise during the menstrual and postoperative periods. It is better to exercise outdoors or in a room with an open window to provide fresh air. Try not to think about anything, relax and put your thoughts in order.
Breathing exercises to reduce belly, waist, hips
Fighting belly fat is a difficult task. This “lifeline” around the waist is often a consequence of age-related changes, diseases, hormonal changes, and genetic predisposition. Special breathing exercises help solve the problem of losing weight in the waist area.
People with fat deposits around the abdominal cavity are more at risk of diabetes, heart attack, and hypertension.
Belly breathing
Use the principles of diaphragmatic breathing to remove fat from the abdominal muscles. During diaphragmatic breathing, inhalation is through the nose, and exhalation is through the lips. How to master diaphragmatic breathing:
Sit on the floor or on a chair.
Relax your shoulders.
Place one palm on your stomach and the other on your chest.
Inhale through your nose for two seconds. The air must be passed through the nose to the stomach, the abdominal cavity will begin to increase. The hands should control the expansion of the abdomen outward, while the chest remains almost motionless.
Purse your lips as if you were making an “o” sound, press lightly on your stomach and exhale steadily for about two seconds. Make sure your chest doesn't move.
Breathe with your stomach for 5–10 minutes. After a month of classes, you can increase the duration to a quarter of an hour. For beginners, it is easier to perform the diaphragm exercise in a lying position.
The head and shoulders should not move - this is a sign of correct execution of the exercise
Mouth breathing
Inhaling and exhaling through the mouth puts pressure on the abdominal muscles, helping to train them. You will also be able to appreciate the lifting effect this exercise has on the lower part of the face.
Open your mouth and begin breathing evenly through your belly.
The duration of inhalation should be half as long as the exhalation time. As you inhale, count to yourself to five, and as you exhale, count to ten.
Continue this breathing for ten minutes to a quarter of an hour.
Practice the exercise three times a day. It is recommended to breathe through your mouth only in a warm room.
Vacuum
An exercise where you stop breathing and suck your stomach in strengthens your abs and helps you achieve a thin waist.
Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet parallel to each other.
Slowly inhale as much air as you can. Inhale through your nose.
Begin to exhale as much air as possible, drawing your stomach toward your spine. Exhale through your mouth.
Hold the pose for 15 to 20 seconds. Continue to breathe shallowly as you hold the pose.
Finish with a breath.
Repeat 4-5 times in a row.
When performing the Vacuum exercise, you should breathe evenly, without sudden jerks.
Inhale-exhale
This technique consists of alternating sharp exhalations and extended inhalations. Stimulates the abdominal muscles.
Sit on the mat, fold your feet cross-legged. Hands are near the knees.
Fill your lungs as much as possible, inhale through your nose.
Then take a series of sharp exhalations, sucking your stomach into yourself.
One approach should last from 30 seconds to one minute. Rest for 60 seconds and do another set.
Keep your hands free, do not put pressure on your knees
Deep breathing
Deep breathing is practiced for short meditation, if you need to relieve stress and calm down. Relaxing the abdomen normalizes peristalsis and expels gases.
Sit on the floor or on a chair with your spine and neck straight. Cross your ankles if you are sitting on the floor.
Place your hands on top of your thighs.
Close your eyes. Breathe normally through your nose for about a minute.
Relax your facial muscles. You can read a prayer or listen to meditative music.
Exhale slowly, counting to yourself to four. Pull your navel towards your spine.
Inhale slowly too, with your navel pulled in.
Let your inhalations and exhalations be of equal length. Breathe like this for about a minute, then take a break for 20 seconds.
Do the exercise for 5 to 10 minutes, beginners can start with 3-5 minutes.
Uddiyana bandha
This Hatha Yoga exercise involves pulling your stomach under your ribs and lifting your navel up. It burns belly fat effectively. In addition to general precautions when performing breathing exercises, the uddiyana bandha exercise has special contraindications. These are abdominal hernias, intestinal or stomach diseases, asthma. It is not recommended to do this pose during menstruation.
The exercise is carried out 4 hours after eating and preferably with an empty bowel. Beginners are recommended to do uddiyana bandha with an instructor.
Sit on your knees, lower your buttocks onto your heels, rest your hands on the front surface of your thighs.
Inhale and exhale briefly, intensely, all the air should come out of the lungs.
Press your chin to your sternum and raise your shoulders.
Stopping your breathing, pull your chest and stomach in and slightly up.
Bend your back, achieve maximum suction of your stomach into yourself.
Pause your breathing for a few seconds until discomfort occurs.
And then start breathing shallowly. Do not weaken the tension of the press. This is called the false inhalation and exhalation technique.
Take 3-5 false inhalations and exhalations.
Take the starting pose while exhaling.
Repeat the pose 3 to 5 times. Between approaches, try to even out your breathing for 1-2 minutes.
The exercise can also be done while standing on all fours
Video: 15-minute course of breathing exercises for losing weight in the waist area
Problems that arise with abdominal obesity
Abdominal obesity is considered a scourge of all humanity, because it is this type of problem that nutritionists and endocrinologists diagnose most often. This is a real disease, because not only a person’s appearance changes, but also his state of health. Problems affect all organs and systems:
The heart and blood vessels begin to work harder, and it is difficult for them to pump blood . Due to the formation of internal fatty deposits, the walls of blood vessels become thinner, the blood flow becomes more saturated, and the blood itself thickens. Even slight physical activity provokes an increase in blood pressure. At first this happens spontaneously, then it becomes a habit and hypertension develops.
The organs of the gastrointestinal tract do not fully digest food and cleanse the body of toxins and waste . Again, the reason for this is internal fat. The walls of the stomach lose their elasticity, liver cells degenerate and hepatosis develops, bile is produced in small quantities and has a thick, viscous structure. Additionally, problems arise with the intestines, the passage of feces becomes difficult, and the person is bothered by constipation.
The respiratory organs also begin to function incorrectly . Internal fat literally puts pressure on them, the lungs are unable to fully open when inhaling, and air flow is limited. This means that oxygen also does not enter the body in sufficient quantities, which is what causes the classic problems of people with abdominal obesity - shortness of breath with minor physical exertion, at rest, dizziness, and fatigue.
Against the background of these disorders, problems arise in the psycho-emotional plane:
the feeling of satisfaction from one’s own appearance is lost;
irritability and sudden mood swings appear;
a person withdraws from society, loses contact with friends, stops visiting dance clubs and parties;
there is a feeling of uselessness;
there are problems in relationships with the opposite sex.
Doctors believe that the most important problem with abdominal obesity is the psychological state of a person. After all, to return to an active lifestyle and restore a slim figure, you need to completely change your thinking . You will need to change your eating habits, study and accept food culture, change your lifestyle and fall in love with sports.
Of course, you can take advantage of the possibilities of modern medicine and perform liposuction or surgery to reduce the volume of the stomach. Yes, the initial results will be impressive, but, according to medical statistics, already 4-6 months after liposuction, internal fat returns and even increases its amount by 10%. And interventions regarding the imposition of a restrictive ring in the upper parts of the stomach have serious late consequences.
That is why nutritionists and endocrinologists argue that with abdominal obesity you should not rely on plastic surgeons, but deal with the problem yourself. And not only diet will help with this. The basis for losing weight in this case is physical activity.
We recommend reading an article about Strelnikova’s gymnastics for weight loss. From it you will learn about the essence of breathing exercises, the rules for its implementation, exercises for losing belly fat, and the results of training. And here is more information about weight loss training.
Recommendations and tips
Find a quiet place in your apartment or country house for training. Nothing should distract you. Any worries about your environment will cause unnecessary stress. The effectiveness of classes will decrease.
Do breathing exercises 1 or 2 times a day. The recommended duration of one approach is 10–20 minutes. By skipping classes, you reduce the effect of weight loss.
Try to do exercises at the same time every day, this will strengthen the habit.
Most breathing exercises are done on an empty stomach. At least 3 hours must pass since your last meal. Morning classes are a good solution.
After exercise, it is better not to eat for at least another 60 minutes.
Try blowing up a balloon during poses, this will help you breathe from your belly and tighten your abs to burn fat around your waist.
Let's add tips that will help those interested in weight loss exercises:
After gymnastics, restore your pulse. Therefore, do relaxation exercises last.
Be sure to take water treatments. During exercise, the blood vessels dilate, and if you take a shower after exercise, they narrow again. Practice hardening and rubbing.
Take an integrated approach. Gymnastics for weight loss should be combined with a diet. Adjust your diet by eliminating unnecessary foods and eating only what is healthy.
Take advantage of every opportunity for extracurricular activities. When watching TV, get up every time and adjust the volume on the TV, not on the remote control. When you want to reach something that is lying high, do not rush to stand on a chair, but try to reach it. Bend over, squat, jump, stretch more often - in your everyday home environment you can come up with many weight loss exercises to keep yourself in shape.
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Types of breathing exercises for weight loss
If you decide to start doing breathing exercises, you will be faced with a large selection of different systems: American practices, ancient Chinese systems. Each type of gymnastics has its own characteristics.
Jianfei - Chinese breathing exercises
The ancient Jianfei breathing system is based on only three exercises. Each lasts 15 minutes or more. But it is not at all necessary to perform all three exercises at once. If you don't have time, you can choose one pose.
Three Jianfei Postures:
Wave. The pose can be performed lying down, sitting or standing. Palms are placed on the stomach and sternum. The exercise imitates a wave: first one hand rises, then the other. Inhalation is done with the mouth closed, the chest rises, the stomach falls. The breath is held for a moment. When you exhale, the peritoneum expands and the chest contracts. The exercise should be repeated 40 times in a row, without breaks.
Frog. Imagine a frog frozen in anticipation of prey. She manages to freeze so that she becomes invisible. The only thing that gives it away is the swelling of the abdomen during breathing. Remember this image while doing the exercise. You should take the pose of the “Thinker of Rodin” and alternately breathe through your nose and mouth. At the same time, the whole body remains motionless, and only the stomach swells and deflates like a frog.
Lotus. The exercise is performed in the sitting Buddha pose and is divided into three stages. During the first 5 minutes you should breathe evenly and as deeply as possible; this is a period of conscious breathing. The second five minutes is silent inhalations and exhalations. The last stage is even breathing and meditation.
Video: 3 exercises of the Jiaefei weight loss system
Bodyflex
BodyFlex is an American weight loss technique that is a mix of physical exercise and breathing training. The basis of bodyflex is five-stage belly breathing:
The lips are placed in an “o” shape, and exhalation is done through the mouth.
Inhale through your nose with pursed lips.
A sharp and full exhalation through the lips. At this moment, the word “groin” is pronounced, and the stomach pushes out the remaining air.
The stomach is drawn in and breathing is held for eight seconds.
Smooth inhalation with closed lips and participation of the stomach.
After mastering the five-stage breathing system, you can begin simple exercises. These are stretching poses from yoga or Pilates. The person takes the necessary position and at the same time begins five-step breathing. When it comes to the fourth step, it tries to achieve maximum stretching.
Twisting pose is the most effective in bodyflex for burning fat from the waist and sides
Oxysize
Oxycise is considered an advanced version of bodyflex. The technique involves more intense training every day. But beginners often like oxysize better. This technique of breathing exercises does not involve long breath holdings, which can lead to loss of consciousness and dizziness. It can be performed during pregnancy (after consultation with a doctor). Stretching exercises are accompanied by 8-step breathing:
Step 1: Relax your body. Inhale through your nose.
Steps 2–4. Take three additional breaths. The lungs must be completely filled with air, “to capacity.”
Step 5. Exhale through your mouth.
Steps 6–8. Take three additional exhalations, emptying your lungs of air. Help extract air with your diaphragm.
Qigong for weight loss
It is better to master this ancient healing system from China with an instructor. The method is based on working with energies, sensations, and thoughts. Although outwardly it looks like a set of smooth stretching movements combined with deep or diaphragmatic breathing. Beginners can try two qigong breathing exercises:
Breath of fire. Start breathing rhythmically with your stomach, sharply squeezing out the air as you exhale. Inhalation is done through the nose and shallowly, and exhalation is active and noisy. The press works actively. This type of breathing accompanies intense qigong exercises.
Breath of a snake. During smooth and static poses in Chinese gymnastics, deep and slow breathing from the belly is used. Inhalation and exhalation are equal in intensity. Use this breath for relaxation and meditation.
Gymnastics by Pam Grout
Pam Grout's method is written specifically for the fairer sex. If you follow the advice of this American woman, within 24 hours a woman receives more than 40 oxygen cocktails - this is what the author of the method calls diaphragmatic breathing exercises. All cocktails are described in the book “Blow Out Those Extra Pounds” by Pam Grout. There are more than ten of them. You can start with the main trio:
Kung Fu Breathing. Inhale deeply through your nose using your diaphragm. Lift your chin up and look at the ceiling. Stay in this position for a moment and, while exhaling sharply through your mouth, lower your head. At the same time, you need to say a loud “ha.” The kung fu breathing cocktail should be done before meals and repeated up to 5-10 times. Pam believes that exercise activates the digestive processes.
Queen of the Beach. Start by slowly inhaling air through your nose while distending your belly. Count silently to 4. Then hold your breath for a count from 1 to 16. Exhale through the mouth, and it should always be twice as long as the inhalation. That is, as you exhale, count to 8. For beginners, a lighter version of this cocktail is offered: while inhaling, count to 2, while holding - to 8, while exhaling - to 4. Maintain a 1-4-2 proportion when breathing and over time you will be able to do “ Queen of the Beach" on the score 6–24–12. Pam advises taking this cocktail three times a day for 10 approaches.
An evening walk. You have to walk around your block with your mouth full of water. This exercise fills the lungs with oxygen and teaches you to breathe correctly through your nose.
I became familiar with diaphragmatic breathing when I started running in the morning. It turns out that all marathon runners breathe with their bellies. I tried it too. As soon as I get out of breath while running, I remember about the diaphragm. As a result, I can run more than 5 kilometers every morning and have no breathing problems. Having learned about breathing exercises, I began doing exercises after my morning jog. I really like the feeling of a flat and empty stomach during a vacuum exercise. I used to think that it was impossible to get rid of my belly. All women in our family have this feature. Abdominal pumping didn't help: the belly swells as soon as you skip a workout. But sucking the belly in and doing abdominal breathing throughout the day can cope with the problem. As soon as I feel this “ball”, I suck my stomach into myself several times and use breathing stops. In general, I advise you to supplement your fitness routine with breathing exercises.
Breathing techniques for weight loss
Losing weight without diets and long, exhausting workouts is the dream of every modern woman, busy with a career, family and an endless string of daily routine tasks. This is exactly what advertisements for breathing techniques promise, and this is why more and more women around the world are choosing Oxysize and Bodyflex.
The difference between bodyflex and oxysize from regular fitness
Bodyflex and oxysize
Regular fitness
Training duration is about 30 minutes
Training duration is from 60 to 120 minutes
Light load on joints
Heavy load on joints
Energy levels are higher after workouts
Are you tired after training?
Clothing does not depend
You need to choose the right clothes for sports
No additional equipment needed
Most require additional equipment
Reviews about breathing exercises
Last year I went to visit my sister and when she met me at the station, I didn’t recognize her. I've lost weight and gotten better. I asked how? It’s all very simple, you need to master breathing exercises and devote 15–20 minutes to it every day. I found information about oxysize on the Internet, and I carefully began to study using this method. The result was not long in coming. I lost weight where I needed to - my sides and small folds on my back went away, my chest became thinner. Since I was the owner of a gorgeous bust, I wanted to reduce it a little. So, we went from size 5 to 3, which suited me quite well. Honestly, I’ve lost weight and now everyone is surprised when I announce my age.
I would like to wish you one thing - do not expect instant results, I began to see small changes only after a month. And don’t quit what you started halfway and your efforts will not be in vain.
Natusya2238, Russia, Novosibirsk
https://otzovik.com/review_1599503.html
I did bodyflex for 4 months. Combined with the minus 60 power system.
The only downside is that the most effective time for classes is the morning; with a child and work, this is almost unrealistic. But bodydex did its job, it helped me get away from the bun and become pleasing to the eye.
I recommend it to everyone who is starting with a lot of weight and those who are not like me, a lazy sleepyhead, can exercise in the morning. Just start, there is no crazy jumping and cardio, almost yoga. And my result: from 77 kg to 62!
In 4 months, the woman lost 15 kg (bodyflex + diet minus 60)
I took up bodyflexing about 10 years ago. Everything seemed to be cool, an effective method, it seemed like my strength was increased, and everything seemed to suit me, the volumes were lost, but my head, which hurt during and after classes, resisted my training.
Vacuum is not bad. The bad thing is the subsequent VERY STRONG INHALE... look and you will fall! And the head is such that it doesn’t think about anything. Have you heard of such cases when a person runs after a train, catches up, flies into the carriage - and falls dead? While I was breathing, there was a lack of oxygen, there was a lot of CO2 (almost like in bodyflex). He would like to calm his breathing and stay alive, but he exhales the CO2 necessary for life... Check, hold your breath after running (when you stopped), you will notice that you came to your senses much faster, and your head began to think better than if you were breathing like a vacuum cleaner. Bodyflex is dangerous for me. Constant dizziness and loss of consciousness are not worth the weight loss effect.
The main advantage is that after bodyflex exercises you feel much less tired than after other physical activities and exercises.
To lose weight, it is recommended to exercise regularly (systematically).
Since this exercise technique is not related to sports, it will take some time for the first results of effective weight loss. This factor depends on the person's initial weight.
According to experts who practice breathing exercises, systematic breathing techniques maintain the results of weight loss for a longer time than, for example, aerobics, athletics and other sports and physical exercises.