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

Take Back Your Health

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/