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Instructions
- Lie face down on the floor with forehead resting on stacked hands.
- Relax your chest and shoulders completely.
- Inhale slowly through the nose allowing your belly to press into the ground.
- Exhale gently through the nose letting the abdomen soften back inward.
- Maintain a slow and controlled rhythm throughout the set.
Technical tips
- Keep shoulders relaxed and avoid lifting the rib cage.
- Focus on diaphragm expansion rather than chest breathing.
- Move slowly and maintain posture without tension.
Breathing tips
- Inhale slowly through the nose expanding the abdomen toward the floor.
- Hold briefly if comfortable to feel diaphragmatic activation.
- Exhale calmly through the nose maintaining control and relaxation.
Medical restrictions
- Recent abdominal surgery
- Severe respiratory conditions without medical supervision
- Acute low back pain when lying prone
Description
Crocodile Breathing is a foundational diaphragmatic breathing exercise performed lying face down to encourage efficient and natural breath mechanics. This position limits excessive chest movement and directs the breath deep into the abdomen, helping to retrain proper diaphragmatic function. It is widely used in yoga, Pilates, physiotherapy, and athletic warm-ups to enhance breathing awareness, reduce stress, and improve core engagement without muscular tension. By promoting slow nasal breathing, Crocodile Breathing supports better oxygen exchange, nervous system regulation, and relaxation response activation. This makes it particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing shallow chest breathing, stress-related tension, or difficulty maintaining controlled breathing during physical training. The grounded position also increases proprioceptive feedback, allowing the practitioner to feel abdominal expansion clearly against the floor. Regular practice can improve breathing efficiency during daily life and exercise, enhance postural stability from the inside out, and serve as an effective preparation for more advanced core or mobility work. Due to its calming effect, it is commonly used as part of pre-performance routines, cool-down phases, or therapeutic relaxation sessions.
What are the benefits of Crocodile Breathing?
Crocodile Breathing improves diaphragmatic function, enhances oxygen efficiency, reduces stress, and promotes proper breathing mechanics by minimizing excessive chest involvement.
Is Crocodile Breathing safe for the lower back?
Yes, it is generally safe and often beneficial for spinal stability, but individuals with acute lower back pain should consult a professional before lying face down.
What is the most common mistake in Crocodile Breathing?
The most common mistake is lifting the chest or tensing the shoulders instead of allowing the abdomen to expand gently toward the floor.
How long should I practice Crocodile Breathing?
Most people benefit from 2 to 5 minutes of slow controlled breathing, focusing on relaxation and abdominal expansion without forcing the breath.