Why Breathwork Belongs in Every Personal Training Session
Introduction
Most people don’t think about how they breathe. But if you’re working with a personal trainer in Vancouver, breathwork should be part of your plan. Breath isn’t just about oxygen—it’s a powerful tool to improve mobility, reduce stress, and activate your core.
At PK Health and Performance, we use breathwork to build strong foundations before adding weight or intensity. Here’s why it matters.
1. Breath Sets the Foundation for Better Movement
When breathing is shallow or rushed, it disrupts posture, core stability, and nervous system function. We see this all the time with clients who train hard but still feel stiff or restricted.
Proper breathwork:
- Activates your diaphragm and deep core muscles
- Supports spinal alignment
- Increases ribcage mobility
- Prepares your nervous system for movement
🔗 Explore our training philosophy
2. Breathwork Boosts Recovery and Lowers Stress
Intentional nasal breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system—your body’s “rest and recover” state.
This shift in the nervous system helps:
- Lower cortisol and muscle tension
- Promote faster recovery post-workout
- Improve sleep quality and heart rate variability (HRV)
📖 According to a 2020 study published in Frontiers in Psychology, slow breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve emotional control. (source)
3. Breath Influences Performance Under Load
When lifting weights, proper breathing mechanics can increase core tension, improve bracing, and reduce compensation. It’s not about holding your breath—it’s about coordinating breath with effort.
What we coach at PK Health:
- Exhale during exertion (e.g. pushing a sled or pressing a bar)
- Inhale to prepare and stabilize
- Maintain rib position and pressure under fatigue
How We Use Breathwork at PK Health and Performance
Breath isn’t just a warm-up tool—it’s part of the session. Here’s how we integrate it:
- Assess breathing patterns during movement and stillness
- Use drills like crocodile breathing, 90/90 breathing, and breath holds
- Coach awareness of breath during strength sets and cooldowns
📌 Read our full article on Breathing
Join Our Skool Coaching Program
Want to learn how to use breath to improve your lifts, mobility, and recovery? Our private Skool Program walks you through it step-by-step—with coaching, videos, and expert feedback.
Final Thoughts
Breath isn’t a bonus—it’s a foundation. At PK Health and Performance, we combine strength coaching with nervous system training to help you perform better and feel better.
📌 Contact us to experience personal training that goes deeper than just sets and reps.
