FAQ - Functional Breathing
What is functional breathing?
Functional breathing is the way our bodies are designed to breathe—efficient, steady, and supportive of overall health. It means breathing primarily through the nose, using the diaphragm, and maintaining a smooth, quiet rhythm that helps the body get the oxygen it needs while keeping stress levels in check.
Functional breathing supports movement, energy, sleep, and mental clarity while reducing issues like breathlessness, anxiety, and fatigue. Whether you're exercising, working, or resting, functional breathing helps you feel and perform your best.
Who can benefit from functional breathing sessions?
Functional breathing can help anyone looking to improve their breathing efficiency, manage stress, enhance athletic performance, or support conditions like asthma, sleep apnea, anxiety, and more.
What happens in a functional breathing session?
Each session includes breath assessments, exercises to improve nasal breathing, breath-hold techniques, and guidance on how to integrate better breathing habits into your daily life.
Self-myofascial release may be part of the session to increase ribcage mobility and diaphrahm function, or to release tension elsewhere that impedes functional breathing (generally neck and shoulders).
I already breathe—why do I need to learn how?
Many people develop inefficient / “adaptive” breathing habits due to stress, posture, or other lifestyle circumstance. Learning more about the respiratory system and functional breathing techniques can improve oxygen delivery, energy levels, and overall well-being.
Is this like meditation or breathwork?
Functional breathing is different from traditional breathwork practices that focus on altered states. Instead, it’s about retraining your everyday breathing patterns for better health and performance.
That being said, functional breathing can certainly feel meditative at times, and we can tailor your session to focus on breathing as a meditative practice.
As we develop a rapport and a baseline of good breathing habits, we can then explore a variety of practices for altered states of consciousness.
FAQ - Self-Myofascial Release
What is self-myofascial release?
Self-myofascial release is a self-massage technique that uses therapy balls or other tools to apply pressure to muscles and connective tissue (fascia) to relieve tension, improve mobility, and reduce pain.
The Roll Model Method, developed by Jill Miller, combines self-myofascial release with breathwork, movement, and body awareness practices to help release tight areas, improve posture, and calm the nervous system. This method not only enhances flexibility and circulation but also promotes relaxation and deeper mind-body connection.
What are the benefits of self-myofascial release?
Self-myofascial release can help reduce muscle tightness, improve flexibility, support recovery after workouts, and alleviate pain caused by poor posture or repetitive movement patterns.
How is an self-myofascial release session structured?
Sessions typically involve guided techniques using a number of specific balls, targeted at specific areas of tension. You’ll learn how to use pressure and movement to release tight spots and improve overall mobility.
Does self-myofascial release hurt?
It can be uncomfortable at times. I’ll guide you in adjusting pressure so it’s effective and not overwhelming.
We aim for a level of sensation that is intense yet manageable, allowing for effective release without causing harm. This approach ensures that the pressure applied is beneficial and not detrimental to the body's tissues.
What equipment do I need?
For in-person sessions I will bring all necessary equipment, though I strongly recommend purchasing the full Tune Up Fitness Myofascial Release ball set. Those taking virtual lessons will need to purchase a set of balls. You can purchase everything you need here.
FAQ - Yoga
I’m not flexible—can I still do yoga?
Absolutely! Yoga is about movement, breath, and awareness, not flexibility. With consistent practice, mobility and flexibility will improve naturally.
What type of yoga do you teach?
I teach yoga with a focus on alignment—ensuring that the body is stacked properly, muscles are engaged correctly, and joints are positioned safely in each posture. I like to integrate anatomy and biomechanics into my classes, so students gain a deeper understanding of how their bodies move and function. This approach builds strength, stability, and flexibility while encouraging mindful movement and body awareness, helping students practice safely and effectively, no matter their experience level.
What can I expect in a yoga session?
Sessions typically include breath-centered movement, functional mobility exercises, and mindful relaxation techniques like meditation and breathwork. Each session is customized based on your goals and abilities.
Do I need any special equipment?
A yoga mat and comfortable clothing. For in-person sessions I will provide all necessary props. For remote sessions it is useful to have 2 yoga blocks, a strap and a bolster.
Can yoga help with pain or injuries?
Yes, a tailored yoga practice can support injury recovery, reduce pain, and improve mobility. If you have a specific condition, we’ll modify movements accordingly.