The three components of proper training: breathing, strength and flexibility

When it comes to a proper training schedule, there are three important things to build into a routine that are key to the overall well-being of the body.

Focusing on exercises that focus on breathing, strength and flexibility is key to achieving a balanced training plan that includes aerobic activity, balance techniques and core strengthening. These elements can help increase the endurance and vigour of anyone who trains, and with the right plan in place, the training process should become easier over time.

Breathing

Seeing as it usually happens without thinking, breathing isn’t always given the attention it deserves when it comes to training. However, when focused on, it can give tremendous benefits to any physical fitness routine. Training breathing muscles will help to increase lung capacity, leading to better performance during aerobic activities, all while helping with overall fitness. There are simple inhalation excesses which can be practised to aid this.

The diaphragm is the most important muscle here, and part of the body's 'core' - so breathing is important in providing the necessary stability for moving and lifting. Just focusing on something that is usually an automatic process and letting it become mindful can make a huge difference.

Aerobic exercises are fantastic for increasing cardiovascular functions. Also referred to as cardio or endurance, these exercises allow a person to breathe faster and more deeply, thus maximising oxygen levels in the blood. The better a person's aerobic fitness, the more efficient the heart, lungs and blood vessels are at transporting oxygen around the body - making routine physical tasks much easier to handle. A regular workout even without that extra focus on breathing will help to strengthen lungs over a period of time.

Strength

Building up strength and endurance is a key part of a proper training schedule.  The benefits from properly executed strength training can include increased bone density, muscle strength and toughness, improved cardiac function and higher metabolism. More obvious benefits include enhanced muscle tone, so strength training is great when used alongside aerobic exercises as part of a weight loss routine.
Technogym Bench is the perfect solution for various and effective strength workouts. This innovative functional training solution for your home has been designed to combine maximum exercise variety with minimum footprint by enabling you to perform the largest range of exercises in a very limited space, thanks to its innovative design and enclosed tools.
With over 200 exercise options, Technogym Bench allows the possibility to combine weights, elastic bands, dumbbells, weighted knuckles, and a training mat to empower you to perform endless exercises ensuring various and effective total body workouts. Compact and easy to move, Technogym Bench is the perfect solution for any environment.

Stronger muscles improve posture and provide better strength for joints, so it’s definitely worth working on this area. Strength training is generally anaerobic, making it ideal for balancing out aerobic exercise. Gym machines may be used to help build strength, with other popular tools including weighted clothing and Swiss balls, but it’s also possible to train with little or no equipment if necessary.

Focusing on core strength should not be forgotten. The 'core' - the region of the body made up of the abdominal wall, pelvis, lower back and diaphragm - is essential for stabilising the body during movement. Building up a strong core will not only help to prevent injury, it will aid posture and assist in other physical activities. Pilates, sit-ups, crunches and other similar activities, when properly executed, can help greatly here, and should assist with toning and overall strength too. Yoga and Pilates exercises can help breathing patterns as well, enhancing the core muscle workout.

Flexibility

Often overlooked, flexibility is a key part of a proper training schedule. Essential for remaining limber, flexibility training can really help to prevent stiffness in old age while boosting athletic performance. Seeing as it enhances the ability to move, it should be considered an important element for anyone wishing to create a successful fitness regime. Equally important is to help with fitness equipment that allows you to work on mobility, such as Foam Roller, the tool designed by Technogym to alleviate muscle tension in a gradual and personalised way, improva mobility and boost circulation, facilitating tissue oxygenation. Foam Roller applies gradual pressure which you can use to prepare muscles before workoun out or for recovery after training. The special grooved pattern offers a massaging action while rolling, bolstering the positive effect on your circulation.

Flexibility can be improved through stretches, and it's best to build these in as part of a cooling down routine, when the muscles are still warm and pliable. Stretching exercises can also help to prepare muscles for exercise as part of a warm-up session. Flexibility is different for everyone, though; some people may have tight hamstrings, while others will find shoulder movement more difficult, so a tailored routine with the right level of variety will be essential.

Going back to proper breathing – doing this whilst stretching can help to relax the mind, allowing a person to focus properly getting their movement right. Yoga and meditation classes can help massively with these techniques. Bear in mind, however, that stretching shouldn’t hurt, and it's important to only take each move so far; 'bouncing' stretches are not recommended as they can cause injury.

The perfect combination

It's easy to see how intrinsically these three components are linked, and ensuring they are all fully explored as part of a routine is the best way to maximise the benefits they offer. Providing the training routine is balanced, the risk of picking up injuries from everyday activities should be minimised too. On top of all of this, there are obvious calorie-burning and mood-lifting benefits to consider.