Q: Gina, I noticed you did a breathing exercise at the end of one of your circuits. Why? Is that for EPOC?
A: Great question!! Yes, EPOC (Excess post-exercise oxygen consumption) is used for recovery and to restore the body to a resting state and adapt it to the exercise just performed. On another note, these breathing exercises help our overall performance since we have to utilize oxygen for everything! Oxygen is essential to the metabolic function of all cells and without it we cannot function, of course! Breathing exercises enhance your bodies ability to absorb and make use of oxygen. Improved lung function also guards against the onset of illness, battling against environmental toxins. A larger lung capacity not only improves stamina but generally results in better overall health. Finally, it is important to focus on the breath. Focusing on the inhale and exhale keeps us grounded, allows us to relax~!
You do not have to perform this type of exercise only after a workout but whenever you can! It is great during meditation and my favorite time to do it is first thing in the a.m. or before bedtime!
