Breath control

This has to do with building stamina and letting out your breath with support

Here are two exercises to help increase stamina [i.e. the length of time you can hold your breath]

• Take in a breath as above over 4 counts… then hold for 4 counts… then let it out over 4 counts

Taking it further

• Take in a breath over 4 counts…then hold for 4 counts…then let it out over 8
• Take in a breath over 4 counts… hold for 6… then out over 10 counts… and so on…

Note – take this exercise steadily – increasing the holding time and the letting out of your breath time gradually over a 2-week period. Make a note of each improvement.

Here is an exercise to find out what your support ‘feels’ like

• Take a square of paper about 8cm square
• Stand with your toes touching a wall and place the square of paper on the wall ahead of your in line with your breath
• Pull in your lower stomach muscles and blow on the paper trying to keep the paper on the wall [oh yep – without holding on to the paper with your hands!]
• Don’t worry if the paper keeps slipping – you will get the hang of it eventually.
• Make a note of how many counts/seconds you can keep the paper on the wall increasing the paper size if you get the hang of it and are up for a challenge!
• Get used to the sensation in your lower stomach muscles – this is your support

I begin to use some basic technical phrases now [1st and 5th and so on] but don’t be put off!
If you are not sure – ask someone who knows. Once you’ve heard what it sounds like you’re on your way!

Geraldine Latty
22 November 2006