Physiological Sigh

A double inhale through the nose followed by one long exhale through the mouth. Mimics the spontaneous sigh pattern and can be used in a few breaths between efforts.

DIFFICULTY
Beginner
EQUIPMENT
Bodyweight
PRIMARY MUSCLES
Diaphragm
ALSO WORKS
Serratus Anterior
HOW TO DO IT
  1. 01Sit or stand upright with the ribs stacked over the pelvis.
  2. 02Inhale through the nose until the lungs feel comfortably full.
  3. 03Without exhaling, take a second short sharp inhale through the nose on top of the first.
  4. 04Release a long, slow, unforced exhale through the mouth until the lungs are comfortably empty.
  5. 05Repeat for 2 to 5 rounds only — this is a short-dose tool, not a long practice.
  6. 06Return to normal nasal breathing straight afterward.
COACHING CUES
  1. 01Two in through the nose, one long one out through the mouth.
  2. 02The second inhale is a small top-up, not another full breath.
  3. 03Let the exhale fall out. Do not push it.
COMMON MISTAKES
  1. 01Doing 20 rounds because a few felt good — repeated over-breathing drops CO2 and produces the light-headedness the drill is supposed to avoid.
  2. 02Making the second inhale as big as the first, which just becomes a strained maximal breath and tightens the neck.
  3. 03Forcing the exhale out under pressure rather than letting it release, which keeps the chest wall tense.

Note: Reference material, not a prescription. Load, volume and whether this movement suits you at all depends on your assessment — if something hurts, stop and get it looked at.

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