What does 'lateral breathing' involve in Stott Pilates?

Lateral breathing is a distinctive feature of Stott Pilates that focuses on expanding the ribcage sideways while maintaining core stability. This technique encourages the practitioner to engage the diaphragm effectively, allowing for the expansion of the lungs in a horizontal direction. Such breathing promotes adequate oxygenation while ensuring that the core muscles remain activated, thus supporting proper alignment and stability during exercises.

This method contrasts with techniques that might emphasize only abdominal or shallow breathing, which can neglect the full range of ribcage movement and stabilization needed in Pilates practice. By integrating lateral breathing, practitioners can enhance their overall performance and achieve deeper engagement with core exercises, ultimately benefiting their physical conditioning and alignment during workouts.