Why is breathing important during exercise?

Breathing helps you control your attention and stay fully present during the movement.  Breathing ‘sets up’ the exercise; it is an important control factor between you and your body.  You use breathing to help engage your deep core muscles.  When breathing properly, it carries you through the motion from beginning to end.

I liken breathing to music. Music is the interface between a dancer and the choreography – they ‘meet’ through the music.  Breathing is your ‘music’ for your movement. Movement has everything to do with life. You are alive, you move.  You can move haphazardly. Or you can move with grace, fluidity, and power.  I choose the grace, fluidity and power! Which do you want?