Breathing Exercise Challenge - On Lung At a Time

It seems that the human body is pretty symmetrical isn't it? In fact, we have a lot of redundancy because of this. Have you ever noticed that we have to lungs, but we probably don't ever use the full capacity of both of them? I have, because I was a runner in high school and college. I used the peak capacity early and often, I had to, to win races. However, most people don't, they barely use a third of their capacity. Perhaps this is why everyone is so out of shape. Now then, I'd like to talk to you about a breathing exercise that I used to do, and I'm not sure if it helped or not, but when you are a high-performance athlete it is amazing how much control you have over your own body.

Okay so, what I used to do was practice breathing only on one lung. Of course, you can't shut off your windpipe because there is no valve for that, which would allow you to breathe and let air in and out of only one side. However, if you work very hard at this in trying to do so you will notice that you can develop muscles in your body to help you control where you send most of that air. People who have a collapsed lung, that is to say they only have one lung left to breathe on are able to use the remaining lung to serve all their needs, it will make plenty of oxygen as long as you don't go out and try to run a mile.

It is interesting when practicing this exercise, that after a while you can feel all the air going into one side, and only a little bit of air going into the other. It is possible to actually control it, although most people can't, it's only because they've never done this type of breathing exercise, I would challenge you to try. It won't hurt you, it can only help you. Do I think that my body is capable doing things that others can't? I think in sports I've proved that, but when it comes to an exercise like this you are utilizing new ways of doing things, new methods, and developing new muscles.

Better lungs mean more oxygen in the blood stream, better cardiovascular health, along with more capability in all that you do. Perhaps you should try this exercise, concentrate on only filling up one lung at a time, and then switch sides, and then switch back again. If you do this for five or 10 minute a day, perhaps while you are at work, you will find a new way to control your body that you never knew you had. There are no research reports to be found on this, I've looked. But it is interesting no doubt. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

Is Zumba for Beginners? Yes It Is!

Is Zumba for beginners? It sure is. It can be a fun, exciting way to lose weight and get in shape. Like most fitness programs, if you are a newbie, you will need to start at the bottom and work your way up. Fortunately, not all Zumba workouts are the same. The workouts vary in intensity and difficulty which enables people of all fitness levels to participate.


Zumba is a dance workout that usually takes place in a class setting. It combines aerobics and dance moves to burn calories and improve your conditioning. It incorporates music and dance steps from hip-hop, salsa, meringue, martial arts, belly dance, and more. The variety of dance steps, movements, and music appeals to most people because the workouts don't get boring.

Zumba sessions usually take place in a gym and the sessions last about an hour. Classes are taught by a certified instructor. If you are a member of a gym that offers classes, you may be able to take the class for free or for a small fee. If you don't have a membership, you may be able to take a class for a fee without signing up for a membership. Each gym has different policies so you need to contact them for class availability.

Taking a class at the gym is a fun experience. Not only is it fun but it also holds you accountable if you take classes with the same group of people. Taking the class with other people will give you motivation to complete the full hour. If you are a beginner, other gym members and the instructor are great resources if you have difficulty mastering the steps.

If the thought of going to the gym makes you feel queasy or your local gym doesn't offer Zumba for beginners, there are DVDs that allow you to do the Zumba dance workout in the comfort of your own home. The benefit of doing the workouts at home is that you can learn the steps at your own pace without feeling out of place among experienced Zumba trainees. Another benefit of a home DVD workout is that you can work out at any time. The gym might not offer a convenient time for you due to work and family commitments.

Zumba is a fun and effective way to get in shape. If you don't like the gym scene or if your gym doesn't offer Zumba for beginners, you can get a home workout video. No matter which options you choose, the key is to be consistent with your workout and you'll see your fitness improve.