core·mobility

Pursed-lip breathing

Sit relaxed. Breathe in through the nose for 2 counts. Exhale slowly through pursed lips (like you're blowing out a candle gently) for 4 counts. Repeat for 1-2 minutes. The single most-prescribed breath-control drill for COPD, asthma, and post-COVID — keeps airways open longer and slows the breath rate down.

Form cues

1Exhale is TWICE as long as inhale (2-in, 4-out)
2Pursed lips, gentle airflow — not a hard blow
3Do during shortness of breath OR proactively when planning exertion

Common mistakes

Forcing the exhale (closes airways instead of opening them)
Holding the breath between cycles — it's a flow, not a hold

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core·mobility

Pursed-lip breathing

Form cues

1Exhale is TWICE as long as inhale (2-in, 4-out)
2Pursed lips, gentle airflow — not a hard blow
3Do during shortness of breath OR proactively when planning exertion

Common mistakes

Forcing the exhale (closes airways instead of opening them)
Holding the breath between cycles — it's a flow, not a hold