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Exercise handout — move better, feel better.
Crocodile Breathing
Lie on your stomach to feel your belly and ribs expand into the floor. This teaches diaphragmatic breathing and calms the nervous system.
Stop if
Choose an easier exercise if pain reaches 6 out of 10 or becomes sharp. Stop and rest if pain reaches 8 out of 10.
This is the general ClapMove rule. This exercise has no extra stop rule of its own.
- Pain 6 out of 10 or more: choose an easier exercise.
- Pain 8 out of 10 or more: stop and rest.
Equipment needed
- Works at home
- Works at the gym
none
Home Options
- bodyweight
No equipment? Try: Pillow under chest if needed
Dosage
1
Sets
180 sec
Reps / Time
0 sec
Rest
slow and relaxed
Tempo
Step-by-Step Guide
Set up
- Lie face down on a comfortable surface
- Stack your hands and rest your forehead on them
- Let your legs relax naturally, toes pointing outward
Step 1 of 5
Breathe in slowly through your nose
Step 2 of 5
Feel your belly push into the floor
Step 3 of 5
Feel your lower ribs expand sideways
Step 4 of 5
Exhale slowly and feel your body sink into the floor
Step 5 of 5
Repeat with each breath getting deeper
Breathing
- Slow inhale through nose
- Natural exhale through nose or mouth
Form Cues
- Push your belly into the floor
- Feel your back ribs rise
- Let your whole body relax
- No tension in shoulders or neck
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Breathing into chest only
- Holding tension in shoulders
- Breathing too shallow
- Not relaxing between breaths
Safety Information
Avoid if lying on stomach is uncomfortable due to pregnancy or rib injury.
Progressions
Add a sandbag on your lower back to increase feedback
Regressions
Place a small pillow under your chest for comfort
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Printed from clapmove.com. ClapMove is not a replacement for professional medical advice — always consult a healthcare provider before starting any exercise program.