The result is a deep sense of relaxation, increased flexibility and most importantly, wonderfully correct breathing. Stress or anxiety can cause a person to breathe in an unnaturally forced way, expanding the chest and contracting the abdomen. Ai chi addresses both the physical and emotional effects of stress because the practitioner breathes not from the chest but rather the diaphragm. This is a similar benefit as that of meditation and martial arts, among others. To find out more about Ai Chi, visit the Aquatic Exercise Association website to order their products.
Divers never hold their breath, but inhale and exhale a normal breath steadily.
Relaxed breathing and movements plus neutral buoyancy is what this low-key spectator sport is all about, really feeling a part of that rich sea world that's otherwise hidden. The most important part of any yoga study is breath, or pranayama. In class, yoga practitioners assume the same positions or asanas in the same order each time, and attention to the breath is paid thruout. The result of this practice is balanced, relaxed, detoxifying breathing, in harmony with the joints and spine. Students learn to pay close attention to themselves in a non-judgemental way, concentrating on breathing through the poses they're taught.