BASIC BREATH1. Lie on the back with

BASIC BREATH1. Lie on the back with the arms at the sides, knees bent, and feet resting on the floor. 2. Inhale and exhale a few times. Do not flatten the back or tilt the pelvis, but maintain the natural curve in the back. Breathe in slowly and deeply.3. Take a deep breath and while exhaling, tighten the abdominal muscles, pulling the na-vel toward the spine. Concentrate on contracting the muscles below the belly button without flattening the back. Contracting the abdominal muscles stabilizes the pelvis while the legs and lower abdominal muscles work, protects and supports the spine, and prevents strain in the back muscles. When able to contract and relax the abdominal muscles without arching or flattening the back, the correct muscles are being isolated and the client is ready to begin the first Sahrmann exercise. Remember to use the breath by exhaling with each contraction and inhaling when returning to the start position.