Can improving breathing patterns help further fitness and optimize overall health for individuals who walk for exercise?
Improve Breathing and Walking
Exercising is a moment in which breathing can quicken and become labored if not done correctly. There is a proper way to breathe when exercising, especially when walking or speed walking. Breathing incorrectly causes rapid fatigue and exhaustion. Controlling the flow of one’s breath improves endurance and cardiovascular health, and it can also amplify metabolism, mood, and energy levels. (Hsiu-Chin Teng et al., 2018) Known as diaphragmatic breathing, it is used for those with reduced lung capacity, like individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/COPD. The practice improves lung capacity and is a recommended way to help relieve stress.
Physiology
During exercise, the oxygen inhaled converts the calories consumed into energy that fuels the body. This process is referred to as metabolism.
When the oxygen supply exceeds the body’s oxygen needs, the body is in an aerobic state. This means there is plenty of oxygen to fuel physical activity/exercise as there are calories to burn.
If the oxygen supply falls short of the body’s oxygen needs, the body falls into an anaerobic state.
Deprived of oxygen, the body turns to stored fuel in the muscles, known as glycogen.
This delivers a powerful burst of energy, but the fuel is quickly spent and fatigue and exhaustion soon follow.
Increasing airflow in and out of the lungs can prevent early exhaustion and help the body burn calories more effectively. (Your lungs and exercise. Breathe 2016)
Improved Breathing Benefits
Optimal breathing starts in infancy. When a baby breathes, their belly rises and falls. This facilitates respiration by pushing and pulling the diaphragm – the muscle that separates the lungs and abdominal cavity. When the baby inhales, the belly extends, pulling the diaphragm downward and allowing the lungs to fill with air. When the baby exhales, the belly draws in, pressing the diaphragm upward and forcing air out. As the body ages and the capacity of the lungs increases, individuals shift from belly-breathing to chest-breathing. Chest breathing involves the chest wall muscles with little use of the diaphragm. Chest breathing usually provides enough air for everyday activity but does not fill the lungs.
This is why individuals resort to mouth-breathing or gasping when the oxygen supply is limited. Even those in decent physical shape may be inadvertently undermining efforts by sucking in their stomach to look thinner, depriving themselves of complete inhalations and exhalations. To overcome this, individuals need to re-train their bodies to activate the abdominal muscles when walking. Belly or diaphragmatic breathing can extend the duration of exercise while strengthening the core muscles. (Nelson, Nicole 2012) By increasing core stability, individuals can better support the spine and maintain a healthy posture when walking. This stabilizes the hips, knees, upper back, and shoulders, making the body less prone to strain, instability, and fatigue from unhealthy posture. (Tomas K. Tong et al., 2014)
Breathing Correctly
The inhalation draws the belly out, pulls the diaphragm down, and inflates the lungs. Simultaneously, it extends the ribcage and lengthens the lower spine. This forces the shoulders and collarbone backward, further opening the chest. Exhaling does the reverse.
Walking
Start by inhaling and exhaling through the nose, ensuring that the inhalation duration matches the exhalation duration. When picking up the pace, individuals can resort to mouth-breathing, maintaining the same inhalation/exhalation rhythm. At no time should breathing be held in. Learning diaphragmatic breathing takes time, but the following steps can be a starting point:
Inhale by inflating the belly fully on a count of five.
Allow the lungs to fill, drawing the shoulders back as this happens.
Exhale by pulling the belly button toward the spine on a count of five.
Use the diaphragm to press the air out of the lungs, keeping the spine erect.
Repeat.
If unable to maintain a count of five, individuals can shorten the count or slow the pace of the walk. Individuals in good shape may be able to extend the count. Initially, diaphragmatic breathing may not come naturally, but it will become automatic with practice. Stop and place the hands over the head if short of breath when walking. Breathe in and out deeply and evenly until breathing returns to normal.
Unlocking Wellness
References
Teng, H. C., Yeh, M. L., & Wang, M. H. (2018). Walking with controlled breathing improves exercise tolerance, anxiety, and quality of life in heart failure patients: A randomized controlled trial. European journal of cardiovascular nursing, 17(8), 717–727. doi.org/10.1177/1474515118778453
Tong, T. K., Wu, S., Nie, J., Baker, J. S., & Lin, H. (2014). The occurrence of core muscle fatigue during high-intensity running exercise and its limitation to performance: the role of respiratory work. Journal of sports science & medicine, 13(2), 244–251.
Nelson, Nicole MS, LMT. (2012). Diaphragmatic Breathing: The Foundation of Core Stability. Strength and Conditioning Journal 34(5):p 34-40, October 2012. | DOI: 10.1519/SSC.0b013e31826ddc07
Working out on a treadmill is a great way to get cardiovascular exercise when unable to go outside or to change things up. However, it’s not just about getting on the machine and walking or running. Like anything, proper form and posture are important in preventing injuries. This allows the individual to walk smoother and faster, burn more calories, and get the full benefits. Individuals with a medical condition that impacts posture or makes it difficult to walk on a treadmill should speak to a healthcare provider for recommendations to ensure they can work out without aggravating the condition or putting themselves at risk. There is an option of working with a physical or occupational therapist to address any concerns individuals may have about using a treadmill.
Treadmill Walking Exercise Errors
Safety
A common error is getting on a treadmill with the belt already running. This may seem unnecessary, but many accidents happen when individuals just jump on. To avoid injuries, it is recommended to follow these safety tips.
Make sure the machine is off.
Know where the emergency stop switch is.
Stand next to the base/running deck.
Clip the safety key to your body to stop the treadmill if you slip or stumble.
Start the treadmill and set it to slow speed.
Look at the speed and carefully get onto the moving tread.
Gradually increase the speed once comfortably on board.
Wrong Shoes
A healthy step is to strike with the heel in front with the forward foot slightly off the surface. The foot then rolls from heel to toe; by the time the toe is on the ground, the individual is halfway into the next step, and the forward foot is now the rear foot and ready for the toes to push off to take the next step.
This sequence is only possible with flexible shoes.
Wearing stiff shoes may not allow for the roll-through.
Stiff shoes force the foot to slap down.
The body and walking stride become a flat-footed stomp.
Take a few minutes during a walking session to think about what the feet are doing.
Ensure they strike with the heel, roll through the step, and the rear foot provides an adequate push-off.
If you cannot do this in your present shoes, then it’s time to look at other flexible walking/running shoes.
Holding The Handrails
The handrails provide stability, but natural walking posture or natural movement involves a healthy stride and arm motion.
Constantly holding onto the handrails doesn’t allow for this motion.
Walking or running at a slower pace is recommended without using the handrails.
Individuals will get a better workout at a slower pace than they would at a faster rate holding on to the rails.
Individuals with a disability or balance issues may need the handrails and should consult a trainer or physical therapist for healthy workout recommendations.
Leaning Forward
Proper walking posture means the body is upright, not leaning forward or backward.
Before stepping onto the treadmill, check and readjust your posture.
Proper arm motion allows the body to go faster and burn more calories.
The swinging motion can help shoulder and neck problems developed from unhealthy postures.
The legs only move as fast as the arms do.
To speed up the legs, speed up the arms.
Going Too Fast
Go only as fast as the body can go while maintaining proper walking posture and form.
If overstriding, leaning forward, or hunching shoulders begin to present, slow down until a comfortable/maintainable speed that allows the body to walk correctly is found.
If the workout doesn’t feel like it’s helping
Individuals with a bad walking form at high speeds may consider adding running intervals.
Running will create quick bursts of higher heart rate and change form.
Running Intervals
Warm up at a slow speed for 3 to 5 minutes.
Increase walking speed to a fast pace that can maintain proper walking form.
Start a jog and increase the speed to match the jogging pace.
Jog for 1 to 3 minutes.
Return to the fast walking pace for 3 to 5 minutes.
Jog for 1 to 3 minutes.
Repeat until the end of the workout.
Finish with 3 to 5 minutes at an easy walking pace to cool down.
Challenge Yourself
When the body has fully adapted to a workout, it’s time to challenge the body to achieve greater fitness and stay motivated. This is where workout variation intensity, duration, frequency, and/or mode come into play.
Intensity
Add intensity by increasing the incline or the speed.
Duration
Increase the time spent on the treadmill.
If spending 30 minutes for several weeks, increase to 45 minutes for at least one weekly session.
After a couple of weeks, increase to 60 minutes.
Frequency
Once the body is used to treadmill walking, try to incorporate a session every day or every other day.
Walk at a brisk pace for 30 to 60 minutes, going for a total of 150 to 300 minutes per week.
Type of Exercise
Try jogging or running.
Alternate using the exercise bike, rowing machine, or stair climber.
Add weight training, circuit training, or anything enjoyable that gets the body moving in different ways.
Set goals and get into the habit of using the treadmill regularly to reap all the benefits. Avoid common treadmill errors, stay safe, and make the most out of walking and running workouts.
Move Better, Live Better
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Benefits of Physical Activity.
Donlin, Margo C et al. “Adaptive treadmill walking encourages persistent propulsion.” Gait & Posture vol. 93 (2022): 246-251. doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2022.02.017
Donlin, Margo C et al. “User-driven treadmill walking promotes healthy step width after stroke.” Gait & Posture vol. 86 (2021): 256-259. doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.03.031
Hashiba, M. “Transient change in standing posture after linear treadmill locomotion.” The Japanese Journal of Physiology vol. 48,6 (1998): 499-504. doi:10.2170/jjphysiol.48.499
Liang, Junjie et al. “The effect of anti-gravity treadmill training for knee osteoarthritis rehabilitation on joint pain, gait, and EMG: Case report.” Medicine vol. 98,18 (2019): e15386. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000015386
MacEwen, Brittany T et al. “A systematic review of standing and treadmill desks in the workplace.” Preventive medicine vol. 70 (2015): 50-8. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2014.11.011
The biceps curl is an exercise to build strength in the upper arm. Curls are a common exercise used in upper-body strength training. Specifically, the curl works the muscles in the front of the upper arm. It’s recommended for achieving strength and definition and provides core and stability challenges. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can educate individuals on fitness, strength training, nutrition, and injury prevention.
Bicep Curls
Located at the upper arm, the biceps comprise a short and long head that operates as a single muscle.
The bicep heads begin at different places around the shoulder/scapula region,
They have a common insertion point on the elbow tendon.
Together allow the bending of the arm at the elbow joint to curl and pull weight.
Curls work the muscles at the front of the upper arm and the lower arm. The brachialis and brachioradialis.
Dumbbells
Different equipment and grips can be used, including dumbbell weights, kettlebells, barbells, resistance bands, or cable machines. Select equipment with enough weight that can be lifted ten times using proper form, ensuring the last three repetitions are challenging to the point of being unable to raise another. From there, use this same weight to perform eight repetitions or slightly lower the weight and perform ten repetitions.
Begin by standing with the feet about hip-width apart.
Keep the abdominal/core muscles engaged.
Hold one dumbbell in each hand.
Relax the arms down at the sides with palms facing forward.
Keep the upper arms stable and shoulders relaxed.
Bend at the elbow and lift the weights so the dumbbells approach the shoulders.
Raise the dumbbells to eye or forehead level for a full range of motion.
Tension will be felt in the muscles in the front of the upper arm.
Keep movements smooth and controlled.
The elbows should stay tucked in close to the body.
Be careful to keep the wrist straight and rigid.
Flexing the wrist while bending the elbow won’t target the biceps effectively and can result in a wrist or elbow injury.
Exhale while lifting.
Lower the weights to the starting position.
For most, one set of 12 to 15 repetitions is adequate.
Train to failure performing the desired reps, staying within 3 to 5 repetitions of total failure.
When able, slightly increase weight and/or reps over time to increase muscle and strength.
Both biceps can be worked out by alternating arms.
Get the most out of the workout by avoiding these errors.
Rushing Through
Focus on proper form and avoid rushing through the workout.
Lift the weights with a smooth motion.
Take as much time to lower the weight as when lifting it.
Lowering the weight slowly can help build more muscle, making the most of the workout.
Improper Elbow Position
The position of the elbows should remain close to the side of the body.
Only the lower arm should move until the end of the movement when the elbows rise. This is a complete range of motion.
If the elbows move away from the torso or swing behind the body, there is probably too much weight.
Avoid Swinging the Weights
Focus on maintaining a tall, upright spine and a tight core.
The shoulders or torso should not swing the weights up when doing the curl.
It can feel like swinging, twisting, or heaving movements.
Don’t let the hips hinge, or the lower body assist the movement.
Keep the elbows at the sides until they naturally rise at the end of the motion.
Keep the shoulders relaxed
Make sure the shoulders don’t move forward to initiate the movement.
Use lighter weights or reduce the number of repetitions if this happens.
Safety
This exercise is generally recommended for most individuals. However, getting clearance from a primary caregiver before beginning any exercise routine is recommended.
Individuals with an arm injury or who experience pain during the motion should not perform the exercise without a doctor’s approval.
Don’t try to lift weights that are too heavy.
After a few lifts, expect to feel fatigued and a burning sensation in the biceps and forearm muscles.
This is the desired effect to get the muscles strong and growing.
Do not force extra repetitions once proper form cannot be achieved.
These muscles are in constant use when picking things up.
Consistently performing the biceps curl will help build strength in the upper arm.
Individuals learn to use their arm muscles correctly and with the core muscles.
Unlocking Athletic Potential with Chiropractic
References
Coratella, Giuseppe, et al. “Biceps Brachii and Brachioradialis Excitation in Biceps Curl Exercise: Different Handgrips, Different Synergy.” Sports (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 11,3 64. 9 Mar. 2023, doi:10.3390/sports11030064
Coratella, Giuseppe, et al. “Bilateral Biceps Curl Shows Distinct Biceps Brachii and Anterior Deltoid Excitation Comparing Straight vs. EZ Barbell Coupled with Arms Flexion/No-Flexion.” Journal of functional morphology and Kinesiology vol. 8,1 13. 19 Jan. 2023, doi:10.3390/jfmk8010013
Marchetti, Paulo H et al. “Seated row and biceps curl exercises present similar acute responses on muscle thickness, arm circumference, and peak force for elbow flexors after a resistance training session in recreationally-trained subjects.” The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness vol. 60,11 (2020): 1415-1422. doi:10.23736/S0022-4707.20.10996-4
Sato, Shigeru, et al. “Elbow Joint Angles in Elbow Flexor Unilateral Resistance Exercise Training Determine Its Effects on Muscle Strength and Thickness of Trained and Non-trained Arms.” Frontiers in physiology vol. 12 734509. 16 Sep. 2021, doi:10.3389/fphys.2021.734509
Schoenfeld, Brad Jon, et al. “Differential effects of attentional focus strategies during long-term resistance training.” European Journal of sports science vol. 18,5 (2018): 705-712. doi:10.1080/17461391.2018.1447020
Squat exercises are highly effective, as they strengthen the back and core muscles, helping the prevention of injury. They can be done anywhere with or without equipment like weights and resistance bands and can be part of an aerobic workout. Squatting requires following proper form and posture. Using the improper form, adding too much weight too soon, overdoing it without enough recovery time can cause soreness, back pain, and injury. Having muscle soreness after performing squats is expected; however, if symptoms like chronic soreness, tingling, numbness, or sharp aches that come and go, begin to appear, it is recommended to consult a medical trainer, chiropractor, doctor, or spine specialist to evaluate the symptoms, and if necessary develop a treatment plan, as well as a prevention plan to continue exercising safely.
Squat Exercises
Squatting is a highly beneficial form of exercise. Athletes, trainers, coaches, and individuals just staying healthy use the technique as a part of their training and workouts. This is because squatting increases core muscle strength, increasing body power. Squat exercises benefits include:
Increased Flexibility
Improved strength and a range of motion allow the body to move flawlessly in various directions with minimal effort.
Increased Core Strength
All major muscles work together during a squat.
This increases muscle stabilization, maintains body balance, increasing core strength.
Injury Prevention
Squats work all leg muscles simultaneously, synchronizing the body.
This increases body stability decreasing the risk of injury.
Back Pain and Potential Injury
The spine is exposed and unprotected during a squat. This is where back pain and injury can happen. Potential causes include:
Priming each muscle is recommended. This could be:
Starting with glute work.
Then planks to activate the core.
Finish off with stretching and range of motion exercises.
A personal trainer can assist in creating a customized workout routine.
Starting Position
The feet should always face forward to protect the hips and knees when beginning a squat.
If the feet face at an angle, the form can be impacted, leading to back pain or collapsing arches.
Spinal Alignment
Maintaining a straight-ahead or upward gaze, which increases center awareness during squat exercises, can prevent the body from leaning forward and placing stress on the spine.
Only squat as far as possible, making sure to feel in control and maintain the form.
Squatting too deep can cause muscle strain leading to pain.
Focus on form, as it is more important than depth.
Joint mobility
Ankle mobility and stability are essential to balance and control.
If the ankle is compromised, the feet could lift off the floor, forcing the body to compensate, leading to strain and potential injuries.
Barbell back squats are more advanced and, if done incorrectly, can cause injury.
A chiropractor or physical therapist will be able to evaluate spinal health, exercise form, and advise if there is an issue.
Body Composition
Achieve Health and Fitness Goals By Doing What You Enjoy
Don’t engage in workouts or fitness programs that make you miserable. Do workouts/activities that you enjoy and have fun doing. Exercise for the love of the body, keeping it healthy and in shape, not because there is a feeling of obligation.
Individuals who don’t like lifting weights try using resistance bands or bodyweight exercises.
The same goes for nutrition. Don’t base diet and supplement choices on misperceptions about health.
References
Calatayud, Joaquín et al. “Tolerability and Muscle Activity of Core Muscle Exercises in Chronic Low-back Pain.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 16,19 3509. 20 Sep. 2019, doi:10.3390/ijerph16193509
Clark, Dave R et al. “Muscle activation in the loaded free barbell squat: a brief review.” Journal of strength and conditioning research vol. 26,4 (2012): 1169-78. doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e31822d533d
Cortell-Tormo, Juan M et al. “Effects of functional resistance training on fitness and quality of life in females with chronic nonspecific low-back pain.” Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation vol. 31,1 (2018): 95-105. doi:10.3233/BMR-169684
Donnelly, David V et al. “The effect of the direction of gaze on the kinematics of the squat exercise.” Journal of strength and conditioning research vol. 20,1 (2006): 145-50. doi:10.1519/R-16434.1
Zawadka, Magdalena et al. “Altered squat movement pattern in patients with chronic low back pain.” Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine: AAEM vol. 28,1 (2021): 158-162. doi:10.26444/aaem/117708
The most common form of pain is the headache. Whether dealing with a mild, dull ache, severe throbbing, or painful tension along the scalp and neck, headaches can disrupt and get in the way of everyday life. Over-the-counter pain medications can offer temporary relief, but they don’t get to the root and solve the cause. Chiropractic is a safe and effective treatment option that will bring head pain relief and treat what is causing the headache/s.
Triggers
Individuals engage in more sedentary activities, and more hours spent in one fixed position combined with poor posture can increase joint irritation and muscle tension in the neck, upper back, and scalp. Headaches can have a variety of causes or triggers. These can include:
Stress is the most common trigger
Muscle tension
Insomnia
Environmental stimuli – noises, lights, smells
Dehydration
Weather changes
Foods
Blood sugar changes
Excessive exercise
Most Common Types
There are two main categories: primary and secondary headaches.
Primary headaches
Primary headaches are when the headache itself is the main problem and is not a symptom of underlying diseases or conditions. These include:
Headache pain comes from interacting signals in the brain, blood vessels, and nerves. A mechanism activates specific nerves that affect the muscles and blood vessels, sending pain signals back to the brain. If any of the following is occurring it is recommended to contact a doctor, headache specialist, or chiropractor.
Three or more headaches a week.
Headaches that get worse or don’t go away.
Having to take a pain reliever every day or almost every day.
Need more than 2-3 doses of over-the-counter medications a week to relieve symptoms.
Headaches triggered by strenuous activity, hard work/exertion, bending, coughing.
What time of day/night the headache usually occurs?
How long does the headache last?
Where the pain is located?
Type of pain – throbbing, comes and goes, dull aching, one-sided, etc.
Does the headache come on suddenly without warning or slowly progress?
Are there other symptoms like weakness, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, decreased appetite, changes in attitude or behavior?
Chiropractic
A chiropractor will assess, diagnose, conduct a physical examination to determine the cause and develop a personalized treatment plan to alleviate the pain and help to manage and prevent headaches. Treatment approaches include:
A combination of chiropractic manipulative therapy.
Activate trigger points to release tension and allow for optimal nerve and blood circulation.
Active and passive exercises.
Massage.
Health coaching.
Body Composition
Water
Most of the body is made up of water with the percentage of body composition that is water changing based on individual functional needs. Essential functions of water include:
Help to build/repair almost every cell in the body.
Regulating body temperature through sweating and respiration.
Energy from carbohydrates and proteins is transported by water through the blood.
Assists in the removal of metabolic waste through urination.
Acts as a shock absorber to protect the brain and spinal cord.
Creates saliva/fluids to lubricate the joints.
The amount of water in the body depends on various factors that include:
The most common water comes from lean body mass. This includes blood, organs, and muscle. Major body organs’ water content:
Lungs – 83%
Muscles and kidneys – 79%
Brain and heart – 73%
Skin – 64%
Bones – 31%
References
Bryans, Roland et al. “Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 34,5 (2011): 274-89. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.04.008
Tyagi, Alok. “New daily persistent headache.” Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology vol. 15,Suppl 1 (2012): S62-5. doi:10.4103/0972-2327.100011
New Patient Intake Form: Truide Torres, office manager at Injury Medical Clinic with Dr. Alex Jimenez, discusses some of the most common questions patients have when they come in for their first office visit. Patients can save time and fill most of the required forms online by visiting elpasobackclinic.com/patient-intake-form. If you’ve been involved in an automobile accident or a work-related accident, Truide Torres describes which type of insurance can be used to provide you with the healthcare benefits you deserve. Dr. Alex Jimenez is the recommended non-surgical choice for well-being.
New Patient Intake Form Explained
Personal injury is a valid term for a physical, mental or emotional injury to yourself, as opposed to damage to property. The expression is commonly used to refer to a type of tort lawsuit where the individual has suffered harm. Personal injury lawsuits are filed against the person or entity that caused the injury through negligence, gross negligence, reckless conduct, or misconduct, and in some instances on the grounds of strict liability. Common types of personal injury claims include automobile accidents, work-related accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, assault claims, and product defect accidents (product liability).
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