Purse Your Lips to a Flatter Tummy

As most of us who have searched the web using the search engines have found, there is a lot of information made available out there that really hasn't been worth the time to find. Take for example breathing exercises. Do a search on this subject and you'll find de-stressing techniques, deep breathing techniques, visual techniques and the list goes on.

Finding simple techniques that work is often like finding the proverbial;

"... needle in the hay stack!"

Teaching large groups of people, I have found that without doubt one of the most requested results that people wish to see for themselves is a flatter stomach. If you've ever imagined that achieving this goal is as easy as breathing, well you'd be right. The diaphragm is the secret to achieving this.

Practice this exercise regularly and you'll be well on your way to achieving your desired results. Many achieve a 2 inch loss in the stomach girth in a matter of weeks and much more when they use the Tri-Breath exercises as well.

If you haven't read 'Diaphragm Breathing' and 'Improving Lung Performance' yet, get onto it. There's no need to rush but there's certainly no time to waste. Time is short on this planet!

To say the potency of any breathing exercise is largely conditioned by the intention is a statement worthy of careful consideration. Right living, high thinking and loving activity has more potency than is dually recognised. No breathing exercise can be safely used where there is no attempt to create harmonious rhythm and order in the daily life. The two activities must go hand in hand. The only factor which makes the breath effective is the thought, the intent and the purpose which lies behind the action.

So as you use this exercise, see that which you wish to achieve. See it as though it already exists and is of the now.

Stand with feet apart and knees in the locked position. Breathing in through the nostrils (in one easy movement), first filling the lower part of the lungs which is achieved by using the diaphragm.
Then fill the middle part of the lungs as you push out the lower ribs, sternum (breast bone) and chest.
Then draw the air into the upper part of your lungs as you lift your chest.
Note: You will find your abdomen will slightly draw in.
Retain your breath for 2 seconds then purse your lips as though you are going to whistle (without filling your cheeks) and exhale with considerable force, a little bit of air through your puckered lips (as though you were going to blow-up a balloon) for 1 second. Stop for a moment (1 second or so) while still holding the air in your lungs and then exhale a little bit more air with vigour. Repeat until all the air in your lungs has been completely exhaled.
Then repeat the process as you breathe in again deeply through the nose to fill up the lungs. You will notice that you'll have to use your abdominal muscles throughout this exercise. Focus on exhaling the air through your lips with strength and squeezing the stomach towards the spine. For one, you'll have no choice as the body will instinctually do this. Maintain your focus and squeeze out all your air.

When you finish this breathing exercise, the body finds it quite relieving to be swung from side to side. That is, stand with legs apart with the knees unlocked, and swing the arms, head and torso in a gentle motion from side to side. The head on each swing should also be turned so the sight is looking to what is behind.

If you are familiar with the Tri-Breath exercises, I would suggest you use the 3-step breathing rhythm. Keep your arms soft and jelly like using the twisting action of the torso for the arms movement.

With your health and vitality in mind,

Brett J. Hayes
Holistic Health Instructor