Breathing: The Base of Human Movement
From the very first moment we enter the world, we take a breath. It happens automatically, but it’s also the very first movement we ever do. As life goes on, the way we sit, stand, and handle stress can make our breathing less effective. And when that happens, the way we move, stay stable, and even feel every day is impacted.
Breathing isn’t just about staying alive—it’s about reaching our potential. It sets the stage for how we move, how strong we are, and how well we recover.
Everyday Life
Modern life often works against healthy breathing. Hours sitting at desks, slouched posture, stress-driven shallow breaths, and weak core muscles push us into bad habits. Instead of letting the ribcage expand and contract, we start:
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Lifting our shoulders
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Tightening our neck
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Overusing our chest
These habits make breathing less efficient and take away our ability to stay strong and stable. Over time, “bad” breathing can show up as fatigue, stiffness, poor core stability, or even higher stress. The very thing meant to fuel us becomes something that limits us.
Breathing 101
To breathe well, the body should expand in all directions—front, sides, and back. While “belly breathing” is often taught, true breathing is much more than that. Think of it as 360-degree breathing:
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Pump handle: The front of the ribs gently lift and widen as you inhale.
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Bucket handle: The sides of the ribs expand outward like bucket handles.
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Back expansion: The breath should also reach into the back body, filling the lungs more fully.
This 3D expansion helps us get more oxygen, keep good pressure in the core, and spread movement across the whole ribcage instead of one area.
Muscles That Help Us Breathe
Breathing uses a whole team of muscles working together:
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Diaphragm – the main breathing muscle, pulling air into the lungs.
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Intercostals – muscles between the ribs that help them expand.
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Abdominals & obliques – control pressure, help push air out, and stabilize the core.
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Pelvic floor – works with the diaphragm to balance pressure and support movement.
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Neck & chest muscles – meant for extra effort, but often overused when breathing is off.
When these muscles work together, breathing feels smooth, strong, and natural.
Why Proper Breathing Matters
Breathing is more than air moving in and out. It helps us:
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Stabilize the spine
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Generate strength
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Recover faster
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Lower stress
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Improve posture
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Move the way our bodies are designed
When we relearn how to breathe the right way, we reconnect with a basic skill that supports everything else. We unlock stability, freedom, and the ability to move without limits.
Conclusion: Breathing Unlocks Your Potential
Breathing is the first movement we ever take, and it stays the base for everything we do—walking, lifting, running, or simply living. Daily habits can pull us away from good breathing, but practicing it again restores strength and possibility.
At its core, breathing is about more than survival—it’s about thriving. When you reclaim your breath, you create the foundation to move freely, get stronger, and explore the potential you’ve always had.
At On Point, we give you the confidence to move freely and explore your untapped potential. And it all begins with one intentional breath.
Dr. Ryan A. DiPrimo
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