36. Learn How to Breathe and Align Your Body to Build Strength with Aaron Alexander, CR, LMT

Did you know how you move and breathe is tied to your strength and longevity? This week, I'm joined by Aaron Alexander, a pioneering movement coach, author, and creator of The Align Method. We sat down to discuss the importance of proper breathing, functional movement, the best ways to align your body, and why everyone should "redevelop a relationship to the ground." In this episode, you'll discover: Why You Should Pay Attention to Your Breathing: Compared to breathing in through your mouth, breathing in through your nose reigns supreme. Doing the latter helps you take advantage of filtration, additional nitric oxide (allowing for oxygen to flow to vital organs), and humidification. "Your nose is preparing the air for your lungs and the rest of your body every time you breathe," says Alexander. "It's like passing through the processing plant." Spending Time on the Floor Has Its Health Benefits: Challenge yourself to sit on the floor for 30 minutes each day, whether that means watching TV on your living room floor or eating dinner at your coffee table. Why? This simple act benefits your mobility, setting you up for healthier aging in the long run, and your digestion. "It's like a shotgun of health and vitality for your hips, for your knees, for your ankles, for your pelvic floor," says Alexander.  Everything in Life Is Fitness: Think outside the gym, shares The Align Method creator. "Fitness is not a thing that you do, but fitness is who you are as a person," he says, adding that using your visual, breathing, and postural muscles all count as fitness. "You're always in a place of training yourself," shares Alexander. "Every moment throughout your day is an opportunity to heal your body a little bit more." 02:11 Aaron's Journey into Bodybuilding 05:54 Understanding Functional Movement 14:39 The Importance of Breathing 18:23 Incorporating Ground Sitting 27:11 Integrating Movement into Daily Life 27:44 Setting Up a Movement-Friendly Home 28:35 Lymphatic System and Movement 30:07 Core Principles of the Aligned Method 30:20 Fitness as a Lifestyle 32:58 Mind-Body Connection 36:35 Polyvagal Theory and Cooperative Play 38:28 Getting Started with the Aligned Method 40:51 Diet and Nutrition Insights Connect with Dr. Myers: Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymyersmd/ Connect with Aaron Alexander: Website: https://www.alignpodcast.com/ Free trial of the Align Method: https://join.alignpodcast.com/products/align-method-program-join/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AlignPodcast Align Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/align-podcast/id988576741 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronalexander/