Sitting at a table: How to adopt the breathe-easy position

Sitting at a table is considered one of the breathe-easy positions. This particular position helps the respiratory muscles work more effectively, which makes it easier to breathe. Respiratory therapist Marlies Ziegler explains how to adopt this position.

• Sit at the edge of a chair or a bench in front of a table. Keep a slight distance to the table. Place your feet firmly on the floor.
• Lean forward slightly and rest your arms on the tabletop in front of you. Your arms should be comfortable and relaxed. To make it more comfortable, you can place a thin cushion under your arms.
• Rest your head on your lower arms or support yourself with your hands.
• Nothing may press against your belly and there should be enough space for it to expand.
• Relax in this position and breathe in and out calmly. As you breathe out you can use pursed lip breathing.

This article was written in cooperation with Marlies Zieger. She works as a physiotherapist in private practice in Munich. She specialises in respiratory therapy. She has been treating patients with chronic obstructive and restrictive airway diseases such as asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis (CF) and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), for more than 20 years.

More exercises and information for free breathing

• 9 techniques that anyone with asthma should know: Breathing exercises for asthma
• These 3 tips can help: How can I deal with respiratory distress
• Everyone should know these: Helpful breathing techniques
• Exercises and advice from a physiotherapist: Shortness of breath and panic attacks
• Positions that make it easier to breathe: How to sit or stand and what to do if you are short of breath or have a cough

Note: The information in this blog post is not a treatment recommendation. The needs of patients vary greatly from person to person. The treatment approaches presented should be viewed only as examples. PARI recommends that patients always consult with their physician or physiotherapist first.