Inspiration
We do it everyday, repeatedly. In fact, it’s virtually impossible not to do it. Of course, I’m talking about breathing, specifically, breathing in.
Our bodies need a constant supply of oxygen for our cells to produce energy in a process called cellular respiration. Luckily, our atmosphere is 21% oxygen. All we have to do is get it into our lungs.
Inspiration begins in our gut. The diaphragm muscle contracts in a downward direction, which makes the thoracic cavity bigger. At the same time, the intercostal muscles contract and elevate the rib cage. The net effect of making the thoracic cavity bigger is a drop in air pressure in the lungs (the pressure of a gas varies inversely with its volume.) Because air flows from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure, when the thoracic cavity expands, air rushes into the lungs through either the nose or the mouth. We have just experienced inspiration!
During the course of normal breathing, approximately 500 mL or air moves in and out of our lungs. This is called our “tidal volume”. Our lungs can handle more air than this. Depending on the size of the lungs, we can forcibly inhale between 1500 -3000mL more air. This comes in handy when we are active.
Inspiration comprises half of each day. Sometimes when we are feeling a little less than or best, a deep breath is the best inspiration!
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About the author
Dwayne Wimmer founded Vertex Fitness Personal Training Studio in 2001, excited to bring a new concept about personal training to the people of Philadelphia’s Main Line in Pennsylvania. Driven by knowledge and results both, while a strength coach at Villanova University, he worked closely with world class athletes such as Brian Westbrook, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles, on strength training and conditioning for optimal performance. Dwayne’s client base extends much further than world class athletes. Along with athletes, he works with adolescents to seniors, and he’s a highly acclaimed and sought out personal trainer who has received numerous awards, such as Best of the Main Line Personal Training Studio and Best Main Line Personal Trainer. A graduate of Missouri Western State University, Dwayne has a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education, with an emphasis in Coaching. Aside from personal training, he’s spent time as a physical education teacher, strength and conditioning coach, and a football coach, but has found his passion and home in the fitness industry, inspiring and reaching out to others. As a strong believer in continuing to learn, Dwayne has also taken classes at East Stroudsburg University toward a Masters Degree in Sports Management. He can add author to his list of accomplishments, having created a chapter in the upcoming book The Soul of Success with Jack Canfield, renowned for the Chicken Soup series. To get to the point where he is now, Dwayne has always been thankful for the support of his father, a man who always believed in his mission and saw the need for what it was that Dwayne envisioned. During his free time, Dwayne is an avid motorcyclist who enjoys viewing the amazing landscapes and finding good restaurants to enjoy that are off the beaten path. He also takes advantage of opportunities to travel and experience many other cities while attending fitness seminars and giving presentations about the industry he is so passionate about. As a way to give back to the community that has been a part of his entire life, Dwayne has created Vertex Fitness PUMPED (People United Making Progress through Education and Donations), which provides support to area non-profits through a community-wide outreach effort. At this time, they help three non-profits per year in the Philadelphia area. For more information from Dwayne, you may contact him at (610) 525-6604, dwayne@vertexfit.com