I remember reading that it might be a little difficult for someone who used to breathe with thier stomach, to get a full breath in easily when changing to breathing with thier chest/back. I have noticed this, on and off, and also that it is hard to regulate keeping my rib anchor engaged so my ribs don't jut out in front and getting a full breath in.
I've been practicing this for about a year now, since I first read the 4 steps book, but not consistently unfotuently. It seems to have gotten a little easier, but I still feel sometimes that I can't get a full breath in when chest-breathing. Do you have any suggestions for things I could do to loosen up my ribs/chest/back so I can breathe easier with my chest? Or do I just have to keep breathing with my chest the best I can, and eventually it will loosen up? What about finding a happy medium between a deep breath vs. engaged rib anchor?
Thanks!
13 years 4 weeks ago
10/01/2011 - 8:40pm
I actually am wondering what is exactly rib anchor muscle activation? I do have the book, and the dvd, and looked at the first excercise in the back of the book that discusses it, but I'm not getting it. Is it like sucking your gut in and activating your core? Is it the sense of like women, activating the kegal muscle I think it's called? Is it bracing your self like you are gonna get hit, which is kind of activating your core, so I'm not real sure as to how to activate the rib anchor, maybe I'm doing it and just don't realize. I sure appreciate the assistance with this. Thanks...
3 years 9 months ago
12/15/2010 - 7:51am
Yes, it should get easier. That being said, if you can think of trying to breathe everywhere, including the chest, back and belly, that might make you feel a little more robust in your breath. I've also found it useful for many of my students who sway to think of the same pathway with their ribs as the Inner Corset as they breathe. So, basically you feel the ribs coming up and around an imaginary bar that is at chest height with each breath. You don't have to engage the IC, but the ribs can stay anchored so you don't sway. And, as the ribs kind of move up and down, the body can get a deeper breath.
I hope this is helpful to you.
Warmly,
Charlene Hannibal
Gokhale Method Teacher, Palo Alto and San Francisco