I’d like to start off this post by saying HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Hope everyone celebrated and brought in the year the way they wanted. I certainly had fun, my buddy and I made it to my friends house literally four minutes before the new year, talk about cutting it close. I would like to blame his blackberry and the wonderful streets of D.C. for  our confusion.

I’m usually not one for New Years resolutions, maybe it’s my rebellious nature, but I usually have the why New Years approach. Especially because the real New Years starts during the spring equinox ( but we wont get into that today.) Despite my rebellion, I do have a new goal that I really need to focus on.

A few days ago my buddy and I did another outdoor workout and I found myself making a conscious effort to do slow deep breaths during every exercise. Now, I always take time breathe deep, but it has never been on a consistent basis, especially during workouts. I think because breathing is such a natural action for most, much thought isn’t put into how you’re breathing and unless you have been practicing taking deep breaths your probably breathe shallow throughout the day.

I must say, taking deep breaths during my ab workout was quite the challenge, you really want to hold your breath, but it felt good letting more oxygen into my lungs, I could really feel the difference.

Why is breathing deep important for workouts and life in general?? A few reasons (via naturalnews.com):

• Lowers blood pressure

• Relieves emotional issues, including stress and tension

• Improves the quality of sleep

• Raises our energy levels

• Helps break down salt

• Improves circulation

• Helps to promote weight loss

• Improves athletic performance