Improve strength through breathwork

Intermittent Hypoxic Training with SOMA Breath

Starting up at the gym again after lockdown was something I wasn't really looking forward to. Well, maybe the sauna at the end was :). 

However, the great thing I was reminded of was how much my daily breathwork routine improved my strength training at the gym. Especially when having to contend with the X-FORCE™ negative weight training. 

Yes... it's not just what you do at the gym, it's what you do outside of the gym that can also make a difference. 

A key part of the SOMA Breath process is accessing intermittent hypoxia (similar to high altitude training) which is achieved through the Nisshesha Rechaka Kumbhaka technique - the extended retention of the outbreath. 

This is where the oxygen levels in the body are temporarily lowered creating a positive stress response in the body.

So how does the Kumbhaka help?

1. RECOVERY: During the kumbhaka you go into a deep meditative state which can help to improve recovery times as you are activating the parasympathetic nervous system (Rest and digest mode).

2. MINDSET: You are also strengthening your willpower by pushing yourself beyond the comfort zone resisting that urge to inhale. From my experience of weight training and martial arts mind management is crucial to performance.

There are so many benefits of Intermittent Hypoxia I could go into but that's for another time... :)