FOCUSSING on breath is an ancient practice, and is the last part of the jigsaw that I teach new students, but it is in fact the most important element of a thoughtful movement method like Pilates, Yoga and Tai Chi.

Pilates teachers tend to favour a thoracic style of breathing, involving a focus on the movement of the diaphragm and rib cage. As you learn to concentrate on the rhythm and direction of your breath you notice the effect that the mechanics of breathing has throughout the the body.

In Pilates we use physiological knowledge to support different phases of each exercise. The outward breath allows the spine to flex with stability, the pelvic floor muscles will activate. The inward breath creates mobility in the spine as the ribcage is expanded and spinal joints are mobilised.

When we inhale it’s easier to extend the spine and stand tall. The diaphragm functions more into our backs and sides than into the front. The diaphragm is a big dome like muscle which spans the base of the rib cage, right up inside to the base of the breast bone at the front, running all the way around the rim and inside the middle of the rib cage. It anchors down into the the lumbar spine. Think of the shape of an umbrella and how you might tip it back over your shoulder when the rain stops.

Because the diaphragm is connected right down the middle of the lumbar spine via a ligament, the way we breathe can influence the position and movement of the spine. We tend to think of our organs as being deep and fixed into position inside their cavities: but as we move, so our organs are moved and jostled around inside their bags.

Our organs benefit from movements involving twisting, turning, reaching, rolling. As well as focussing on the breath, make sure you include these types of movements in your workout. Try to keep the shoulders relaxed as you breathe, breathe into the back of your ribcage, not allowing the belly to over expand. Imagine an elastic band around your chest, expand gently into it as you breathe

With time, patience and practice it becomes easier to concentrate on the breathing element of exercise. When you know how to do it, you can become mindful of that in every aspect of life. We are always breathing after all!

Find out more: yorkpilates.com