|
How to Get 1% Better – Breathwork
Deep breathing has emerged as a powerful tool for both elite athletes and everyday individuals, offering a scientifically backed method to reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and improve mental health. NFL teams like the Kansas City Chiefs have embraced breathwork as part of their mental training, with players like Bryan Cook incorporating daily meditation and deep breathing to find calm and focus. This trend reflects a broader shift in sports, where top athletes across leagues—from Steph Curry to Marcus Stroman—are using breath control to enhance performance and manage stress.
Former minor-league pitcher Harvey Martin turned to breathwork after anxiety derailed his career, eventually founding a training company and becoming the San Francisco Giants’ “breathing specialist.” His approach blends physiology with mindfulness, teaching athletes to regulate their nervous systems through nasal breathing, ice baths, and grounding techniques. Giants pitcher Logan Webb, once skeptical, became a devoted practitioner, crediting breathwork as a key part of his transformation into one of MLB’s top pitchers.
The benefits of breathwork are rooted in ancient practices and validated by modern science. Researchers like Nicholas Tiller emphasize that while many respiratory products lack evidence, slow, deep breathing is proven to activate the parasympathetic nervous system—our body’s natural “brake.” Experts like Mike Maric promote structured routines like the “3-6-5 method” to help athletes and non-athletes alike achieve mindfulness and resilience. Ultimately, breathwork offers a simple yet profound way to improve well-being—one deep breath at a time.
| 
