There’s actually a certain way to approach yoga breathing.

Ahead, a yoga instructor breaks down everything you’re gonna wanna know.

In TV shows and movies, the practice always seems so gentle and simple.

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And in many ways, it is.

Plus, did you know that how you breathe during yoga matters?

The first is physical and rings true for all kinds of movement.

Two young women practicing ballet with a teacher in the dance hall.

yoga teacher and co-owner and director ofYogaRenew

The second is mental and more yoga-specific.

Its about one of the main pros of yoga: being in the present moment.

Lombardo says paying attention to your breath is a way to streamline that process.

Woman doing hip exercises

This helps to focus and calm the mind, which ultimately benefits the nervous system.

Each yoga jot down (and breathing technique) has its own purpose and benefits.

As long as youre breathing in general, thats half the battle, she says.

Cropped image of woman doing lunge yoga pose

Or, you may focus so well on breathing the right way that it has the opposite effect.

In these scenarios, you want to be more intentional about checking that youre breathing consistently.

Then, ensure your breath patterns align with your body (which may or may not feel natural).

Woman in leggings and bra doing Lunge with Arm Extended Up pose hip opener stretch during yoga session in morning at home.

yoga teacher and co-owner and director ofYogaRenew

Basically, inhale while your body is expanding and exhale when your body is contracting, Lombardo says.

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Woman doing arm exercise without weights while sitting on mat at home.

A woman in sports clothes does yoga or gymnastics at home. Daylight. She smiles