why holding your breath could be holding you back
Breathing - harder than it seems…
If you’ve ever been in the middle of a deep stretch and noticed yourself holding your breath, you’re not alone. It’s a natural response, especially when your brain is focused, your muscles are being challenged, and you're not quite sure what’s coming next.
But when it comes to assisted stretching, particularly PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) stretching, breathing isn’t just helpful, it’s an essential part of what makes the whole thing work.
“When you breathe well during an assisted stretching session, you’re tapping into your parasympathetic nervous system. That’s the part of your brain that says, you’re safe, you can let go. This is when the real gains in mobility and flexibility happen.”
What’s really going on when you hold your breath?
During PNF stretching, your therapist gently guides you through a pattern of muscle activation followed by release. The aim is to move your body into a deeper, safer range of motion which you can’t achieve by stretching on your own. But when you hold your breath or tense up, your body naturally resists. It’s a bit like hitting the brakes while trying to accelerate.
By focusing on your breathing, with slow, deep inhales and steady exhales, you help your nervous system relax and your muscles soften. That shift sends a message to your brain to effectively say ‘it’s safe, you can go deeper’ and this allows your therapist to guide you further into the stretch, without pushing or any risk of injury.
Breathe to tap into your parasympathetic nervous system
When you breathe well during a session, you’re tapping into your parasympathetic nervous system. That’s the part of your brain that says, you’re safe, you can let go. This is when the real gains in mobility and flexibility happen.
It’s also common for people to be so focused on the stretch that they forget to breathe altogether. At Stretch Life, your therapist will gently remind you, especially at those crucial points, to exhale and let go. That’s often when you’ll notice you can go much further, with much less effort.
You don’t need to be perfect with your breathing, just aware. The more relaxed you are, the more your body will respond. Over time, with regular assisted stretching and consistent breathing, you’ll start to feel the difference: more freedom, less tension, and a stronger connection between your mind and body.
So next time you're on the table and your therapist says breathe, it’s not just for relaxation. It’s your ticket to a deeper, more effective stretch.
A few simple breathing tips we use in our assisted stretching sessions:
In through the nose, out through the mouth. Think calm, steady, and full, not forced.
Breathe with the stretch. As your therapist takes you deeper, exhale to help your muscles release.
No need to overthink it. Your therapist is there to guide you and work with your natural rhythm.
Ready to move better, recovery faster and feel more flexible?
To try PNF led assisted stretching for yourself, visit our website www.stretchlife.com
Life’s short - stretch it out
