1 really weird way to improve your handstand (or anything!)

"Brainy What-Why-How"

Your weekly nibble of science-backed goodness to help you move better and feel unstoppable.

🧠

What (the TL:DR)

Holding your breath -- with your lungs empty-- while you do a few squats may help you hold your handstand* longer!

Why (the geeky neurology)

The part of the brain that controls breathing is, like, the OLDEST part of the brain. Older than lizard brain 🦎 it's like...crustacean brain? 🦐

Anyway, it does super duper basic stuff like telling you:

stop inhaling! when your lungs are full 🫁

and stop exhaling! when your lungs are empty 🫁

It also activates a lot of muscles needed for reflexive stability (i.e. we don't do it consciously; it happens automatically)

So, if we put ourselves into a state where the "hey...you're done exhaling, it's time to inhale!" part of the brain really fires up, we also fire up our stability muscles. 🤯

How (apply it to your life)

Give it a try:

1️⃣ it doesn't have to be a handstand. Think of anything you're working on--it could even be "feeling more energetic because I'm so tired of feeling tired ugh". Test it out, see how it feels.

2️⃣ inhale, then exhale out allllllll of your air from your lungs. While your lungs are empty, do some squats (or jumping jacks, or pushups, or just walk at a brisk pace).

IMPORTANT: It's not about pushing yourself! Once you feel the urge to inhale, breathe! You should be able to recover to a normal breath within 2 breaths.

3️⃣ notice if your handstand -- or energy levels, or just your general stability -- feels better!

Thank you for reading!

And please share with a friend or colleague who might find this valuable.

Happy breathing,

Adell xoxo