When I read the New York Times article about Buteyko Center USA helping the violin-maker, I thought to myself, If they can help that guy, surely they can do something for me. I found Buteyko Breathing Center USA on the web, and signed up for an introductory meeting. That meeting was very different from what I expected. I had anticipated a traditional teaching environment but instead I found myself one-on-one with an instructor who wanted to know all about me and my breathing experience.
During that meeting, we confirmed that my ability to hold my breath was seriously compromised as evidenced by the fact that I could only wait 3 seconds between exhaling and needing to inhale again. Thirty days, and four instructional sessions later, my longest period between exhaling and needing to inhale again has lengthened to 40 seconds! The practice sessions that I undertake for 30 minutes, three times a day, have dramatically changed my whole concept of breathing.
I no longer constantly think about my breathing. While exercising, I am beginning to synch my breathing with the specific exercise, and avoid gasping for breath at the end of a set. Most importantly, I find myself not breathing for short periods, the way normal people do. My goal is to start jogging within 60 days – I haven’t been able to do that for 9 years!
David Brown
St. Petersburg, FL
