Yoga Meets Movement Science

What Yoga Teachers Should Know About Breathing Physiology

Feb 21, 2023

Special guest Joe Miller, a yoga teacher and exercise science professor, joins hosts Jenni Rawlings and Travis Pollen to discuss the physiology of breathing in a yoga context. They explore topics such as the integration of science into yoga, the importance of understanding the body in yoga practice, the role of breathing in exercise, and debunk common myths about deep breathing in yoga. The discussion also touches on breath-holding, factors influencing breathing, and increasing movement options through conscious connection.

01:29:29

Episode guests

Joe Miller

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Deep breathing in yoga practices primarily affects the autonomic nervous system and promotes a calm state of mind, rather than significantly altering oxygen saturation levels.

The idea of stagnant air in the lungs is a misnomer, as the lungs always retain a residual volume of air necessary for proper lung function.

Understanding the role of the diaphragm as the primary muscle involved in breathing can help guide practitioners in utilizing different strategies for breath control during yoga practice.

Deep dives

Physiology of Breathing

The podcast episode delves into the physiology of breathing, exploring what breathing is, how it works on a physiological level, and how it relates to yoga and pranayama techniques. It highlights the importance of understanding how breathing functions in our bodies and dispels common myths surrounding the breath in the yoga world.

Introduction

2min

The Intersection of Science and Yoga

14min

The Importance of Understanding the Body in Yoga Practice

2min

The Physiology of Breathing in the Context of Yoga

8min

The Physiology of Holding Your Breath and Factors Influencing Breathing

3min

The Role of Breathing in Exercise

7min

Understanding the Relationship Between Breathing and Oxygen Saturation

6min

Exploring the Mechanics of Breathing and its Effects

22min

Increasing Movement Options Through Conscious Connection

24min

10.

Wrapping up the Discussion on the Physiology of Breathing

2min

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by special guest Joe Miller, MS to discuss the physiology of breathing.

Joe Miller has been teaching yoga since 2000, and he has a master’s degree in applied physiology from Columbia University. He teaches anatomy and physiology in yoga teacher trainings nationally and worldwide. He’s also a Guild Certified Feldenkrais® Practitioner and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA.

Points of discussion include:

Joe’s yoga backstory and how he got into physiology
Has the yoga world historically been insular by nature, and is that changing?
Why do we breathe?
How is breathing controlled?
What is anaerobic vs. aerobic respiration?
Is it helpful to teach yoga students to breathe “fully and deeply” all throughout their yoga practice?
Do we have “stale” air in our lungs that we clear out with full exhales?
What different effects do breathing into the belly, rib cage, and upper chest have?
What physiological effects does ujjayi breathing have?
Is it helpful for yoga teachers to remind people to breathe?
Is it helpful to pair specific movements in yoga with specific phases of the breath (inhale or exhale)?
…And much more!

Enjoy this engaging and eye-opening discussion for yoga, movement, and fitness geeks!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Learn more from Joe Miller: website / Instagram / YouTube

YouTube video (Joe Miller): Does Deep Breathing Increase Blood Oxygen?

Breathing 101 Course with Joe Miller

Jenni’s email newsletter

Strength for Yoga Remote Group Training – ongoing, interactive monthly strength program for yogis designed by Jenni & Travis

Online yoga class library & yoga anatomy workshops with Jenni

Strength for Yoga email newsletter

To find out more about Travis Pollen: website / Instagram

Music used with generous permission from Dischord A Cappella.

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