BreathwoRk
At Movement Collective, breathwork is an integral part of our method, woven seamlessly into every class to enhance movement, deepen connection, and support overall well-being. Our approach to breathing is practical and intentional, designed to help our students move with greater ease, control, and presence. In addition to incorporating breath into all of our classes, we offer dedicated workshops where breath is the central focus, allowing for deeper exploration and transformation.
What is breathwork?
Breathwork refers to the practice of conscious breathing to influence physical, mental, and emotional states. It is a powerful tool used for centuries in various traditions to enhance posture, relaxation, focus, and overall health.
The science behind breathwork
Breathwork affects the autonomic nervous system, helping to regulate stress responses, improve oxygenation, and enhance brain function. By consciously adjusting breath patterns, individuals can influence heart rate variability, cortisol levels, and overall well-being.
How we approach breathwork at Mo.Co.
- Breath is the foundation of all movement. At Mo.Co. we use the breath to facilitate fluid transitions, improve coordination, and encourage efficient muscle activation in every class.
- Conscious breathwork helps regulate the nervous system, allowing for a deeper mind-body connection and a more focused, immersive experience.
- Breath supports endurance, core engagement, and overall movement quality, helping students feel stronger and more in control throughout class.
- Our standalone breath classes and workshops provide the opportunity to focus exclusively on breath, deepening awareness and harnessing its full benefits.
Benefits of breathwork
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Calms the mind and promotes downregulation
- Increases mindfulness and enhances self-awareness
- Improves physical performance and endurance
- Supports emotional regulation and resilience
- Boosts focus, clarity, and overall well-being
Breathwork techniques & exercises
- 3D Breathing: Expanding the ribcage laterally and front to back while keeping the abdominals engaged, promoting lumbar spine stability and thoracic spine mobility.
- Triangular Breathing: Breath in, out, pause. This rhythm facilitates the contraction of the muscles of expiration, which is often the weaker group. This pattern also encourages deep relaxation, helping the muscles in the overactive secondary breathing relax.
- Rhythmic Breathing: Encouraging a steady, controlled breath pattern that aligns with movement, preventing breath-holding and creating a natural flow.
- Exhalation for Activation: Using the exhale to deepen the engagement of the core muscles, particularly in the exertion phases of movement.
- Box Breathing: A technique involving equal-length inhales, holds, exhales, and pauses to enhance focus and relaxation.
- Diaphragmatic Breathing: Engaging the diaphragm for deep, full breaths, optimising oxygen intake and relaxation.
- Positional Techniques: By positioning the body in specific ways, we guide the breath into restricted areas, restoring balanced mobility and allowing the breath to function optimally.
- Postural Restoration: Think of this technique as better breathing through better posture. Your physical position influences your breathing and vice versa. Learn tools to improve your posture, such as facilitating primary muscles of respiration (diaphragm, inner obliques) and stretching and relaxing muscles that often inhibit good breathing (calves, quadriceps, anterior neck muscles).
Breathwork techniques used at Mo.Co.
At Mo.Co. we blend traditional and contemporary breath techniques to complement movement and support well-being. These techniques are integrated into our movement classes, and our dedicated breathwork classes allow for a deeper dive into these transformative practices.
What to expect at a breathwork workshop
At Mo.Co. we blend traditional and contemporary breath techniques to complement movement and support well-being. These techniques are integrated into our movement classes, and our dedicated breathwork classes allow for a deeper dive into these transformative practices.
Our breathwork workshops are designed to provide a structured yet accessible experience for all participants. Each session includes:
- Introduction: Overview of the breathwork principles and benefits we’ll explore that day.
- Guided exercises: Various breath techniques tailored to relaxation, energy, and mindfulness.
- Movement integration: Practical application of breath to enhance mobility and body awareness.
- Reflection & closing: Time to process experiences and discuss takeaways.
Potential outcomes and experiences during a session
- Deep relaxation and stress relief
- Heightened awareness and clarity
- Emotional release and improved mood
- Greater control over breath and movement coordination
- Better understanding and tools to take home
Getting started with breathwork classes and workshops
Our workshops are open to all levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners. Whether you want to reduce stress, improve physical performance, or deepen your mindfulness practice, breathwork at Mo.Co. offers a welcoming and supportive environment.
Breathwork is a transformative practice that enhances both physical and mental well-being. By incorporating conscious breathing techniques, you can experience reduced stress, improved focus, and greater resilience in everyday life. We invite you to explore breathwork at Mo.Co.—join us for an upcoming workshop and discover the power of breath.