Why Breathing Matters More Than You Realise!
- Alison Lacey
- Oct 22
- 4 min read
We all breathe, don't we? Around 20,000 times a day, in fact. Yet most of us go through life barely noticing it, until we're out of puff running for the bus or holding our breath during a stressful moment at work.
But how you breathe changes everything, especially in your Pilates practice, and once you understand why, you'll never take another breath for granted.
It's Not Just About Getting Oxygen In
When I cue your breathing during our sessions, I'm not just being picky. Yes, oxygen is important (obviously!), but conscious breathing does something far more interesting than just filling your lungs.
Proper breathing activates your deep core muscles, the ones that stabilise your spine and support every movement you make. It creates space in your ribcage, releases tension in your shoulders, and quite literally changes how your body organises itself.
But perhaps most remarkably, your breath is the only part of your autonomic nervous system that you can actually control. You can't consciously control your heart rate or digestion, but you absolutely can influence your breathing. And through your breath, you can calm your nervous system, shift your energy, and even help your body process emotions that might be stuck.
Pretty powerful stuff for something we do without thinking, isn't it?
What's Somatic Breathing All About?
You might have come across the term "somatic breathing" recently. It sounds a bit fancy, but the concept is simple.
Somatic just means "of the body," and somatic breathing is all about tuning into the physical sensations of breathing throughout your whole body, not just your chest or belly. It's about feeling rather than thinking, noticing rather than controlling.
Instead of breathing in a rigid pattern that someone tells you is "correct," somatic breathing invites you to explore where your breath naturally wants to go. Can you feel your ribcage expanding in three dimensions? What about the subtle movement in your back? Your pelvis? Even your pelvic floor shifts with your breath if you pay attention.
This kind of awareness creates a beautiful mind-body connection. You're not just doing breathing exercises, you're having a conversation with your body, listening to what it needs in that particular moment.
Sometimes your breath wants to be slow and deep. Other times, it naturally quickens. There's no right or wrong, just what feels ok for you right now. And this gentle approach can help release tension and stress that's been living in your body for longer than you realise.
How This Works in Your Pilates Practice
In our Pilates sessions, we use lateral thoracic breathing, which is actually a form of somatic breathing. When you breathe in and feel your ribs expanding out to the sides and into your back, you're creating space throughout your torso.
This three-dimensional expansion naturally switches on your deep core muscles without you having to grip or force anything. It's the difference between trying really hard and simply allowing your body to work the way it's designed to.
Have you noticed how different this feels compared to shallow chest breathing, or even that forced belly breathing that's often taught? When your breath leads the way, everything changes. Your spine can move more freely, your shoulders drop away from your ears, and your movements become more flowing and connected.
It's like the difference between forcing a door open and realising it slides.
Give This a Go at Home
I'd love you to explore somatic breathing away from your Pilates mat. It only takes a few minutes, and you might be surprised by what you discover.
Find somewhere comfortable to sit or lie down. Pop one hand on your chest and one on your ribcage. Close your eyes and just notice your natural breath for a few moments. Don't try to change anything yet, just observe.
Now, gently begin breathing into your hands. Imagine your ribcage is an accordion, expanding in all directions as you inhale. Can you feel your back ribs pressing into the floor or chair? Are there any areas that feel a bit stuck or reluctant to move?
Stay with this for five to ten breaths, letting your awareness deepen. You might notice tension beginning to melt away. You might find emotions bubbling up. Whatever you experience is absolutely fine, there's no wrong way to do this.
The Knock-On Effect
When you change the way you breathe, honestly, you change everything. Better breathing means stronger core activation, improved posture, less stress, sharper focus, and a deeper sense of being at home in your body.
And the brilliant thing is it's the simplest tool you have. It's with you every single moment, completely free, and always available.
Next time you're in a session with me, or wherever you are, pay extra attention to how your breath feels. Notice where it flows easily and where it feels challenging. This awareness, this noticing, is where real change begins.
Your breath is more powerful than you realise. It's been quietly supporting you all along, and now it's time to give it the attention it deserves.
Take a deep breath. Feel that? That's your body saying thank you.
Have you noticed changes in your movement since focusing more on your breath? I'd love to hear about your experience. Follow me on social media for more tips on all things health, fitness and wellness:
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