Wellness is ever evolving at Butterfield Trail Village as new scientific research continues to teach us more about our bodies. The coming year will offer residents the opportunity to incorporate a new active layer of support into their daily routines: healthy, intentional breathing.
Recent training completed by BTV Wellness Director Jennifer Neill is the foundation for the launch of a research-based, easy-to-learn breathing method to enhance the Village’s robust fitness programming. Jennifer recently earned certification in the Oxygen Advantage approach, a program that focuses on strengthening the diaphragm, improving oxygen efficiency and calming the nervous system. She also participated in a workshop with James Nestor, author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, whose work has become widely recognized for highlighting how proper breathing can transform overall health.
While the science of breathing is fascinating, the benefits are even more meaningful for older adults. As people age, natural shifts in breathing patterns often occur – including shallower breaths, reduced diaphragm strength and slightly faster breathing rates. These changes can contribute to increased anxiety, reduced balance, disrupted sleep and the sense that exercise is more difficult than it used to be. Encouragingly, studies now show that simple, guided breathing practices can help reverse many of these patterns, often with impressive improvements in dayto- day wellbeing.
This winter, residents will have the chance to learn more during a community presentation on the science and benefits of healthy breathing. The session, scheduled for January 29 at 2:30pm, will explore how thoughtful breathwork can:
- Improve balance and stability through stronger diaphragm function.
- Reduce stress, tension and anxiety by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
- Enhance sleep quality with nasal breathing and slower breath rhythms.
- Boost endurance and movement efficiency during exercise and daily activities.
- Support mental clarity and memory.
- Help lower blood pressure while improving cardiovascular health.
- Ease chronic pain in the neck, shoulders and lower back.
- Improve posture and mobility by restoring ribcage and core function.
These principles won’t be limited to a single presentation. Beginning this winter, subtle but impactful breath-focused instruction will be woven into the fabric of every fitness class at BTV:
- Pilates and Yoga will introduce techniques for strengthening the diaphragm, enhancing ribcage mobility, and calming the mind.
- Tai Chi will incorporate gentle breath practices that support balance and fluid movement.
- Get Fit with Jennifer will include breathing strategies designed to build endurance and make movement feel easier and more efficient.
