No matter how badass you are, every now and then, we can all use a quick and easy boost to get us going before a training session. Breathing like a lion might be just what you need. Referred to in yoga as Simha Pranayama, “Lion’s Breath” is a breathing exercise to help you feel empowered and focused.
What better way to tackle a challenge than by focusing on your inner lion. Practicing this type of breathing increases your energy and stretches the muscles in your face, neck and throat. It also helps relieve tension and tightness while improving circulation. It’s an energetic and awakening breath that will also help to ease the mind. Lion’s Breath opens the throat chakra and helps to boost confidence.
Lion’s Breath opens the throat chakra and helps to boost confidence.
How to do it:
- Sit or stand tall and take a few slow deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth.
- Deepen your breath and find an even length and speed inhalation and exhalation. The slower and deeper your breath, the better. Make sure your shoulders are relaxed and your body loose.
- Inhale deeply through your nose and open your mouth as you exhale. Stick out your tongue and stretch the muscles in your face as you exhale making the sound “haaaaah.” Your mouth should be as open as possible. Think of a lion breath or roar.
- Practice this for three to four rounds and then bring the tongue back into the mouth and relax your face and throat. Take a few deep breaths and you’re done.
When to do it: Lion’s Breath is a great way to start the day or your warm-up as it creates heat in the body and builds up some energy. You can also use it anytime you need a quick pick-me-up. Try doing Lion’s Breath for a few rounds at first. Work your way up to 10 rounds.
Let loose and roar.
