Big Breath Drill
Breathing is important. The challenge is getting people to actually do it. It feels boring, uncomfortable, and like a waste of time when your brain is running a million miles an hour. That’s why the simplest drills work best. Here’s one you can try this week.
Why Breathe?
Better mechanics: A few minutes of focused breathing can unlock better movement and positions. Think of it as a mobility drill for your whole body.
Change your state: Breathing can either wind you up or calm you down. This one is designed to wake you up.
Improve posture: When you know what a full, deep breath feels like, you’ll notice how poor positions cut it short.
I don’t need to cue you with “use your diaphragm” or “expand your ribs.” Just focus on filling up as much as possible. With practice, your body will figure it out. At first it might feel like all chest and shoulders, but the more reps you get, the more expansion you’ll feel through your whole trunk.
The Big BReath Drill
Lay down on your back with your feet on the wall.
For 90–120 seconds, take big, deep, expanding breaths with sharp, quick exhales.
On your last exhale, blow it all out and hold.
Rest, then repeat when ready.
Do 2–3 rounds.
The longer you hold after the exhale, the better your next breath will be.
Give it a shot this week—and pay attention to how much better you feel afterwards.
—Justin Miner