Manly Warringah Sea Eagles players are gaining a clearer understanding of the importance of the right breathing techniques through one of Australia's most successful professional lifeguards.
Deano Gladstone, a qualified and practising personal trainer, is the founder of the 'Power of the Breath' workshop.
An original cast member of the popular TV show, Bondi Rescue, Gladstone runs various workshop programs to help people understand and deal with stress to improve their health and performance.
As a result of personal health issues, Deano studied with world leaders in nutrition, biohacking, lifestyle choices, meditation, breath and hormetic stress, focusing less on pushing hard and more tuning into the body.
We caught up with Deano for a fascinating insight into his work with the Sea Eagles.
Q: Can you take us through the Power of the Breath workshop you do with the players.
"We begin with a couple of practical assessments. This gets the players engaged by feeling their breath, holding their breath and understanding a little more about what drives us to breathe and how it helps. It’s amazing how well players can focus when they learn how to influence and regulate their stress responses and this is exactly what the Power of the Breath is about."
Q: How have the players bought into it. Are you finding more are opening up about their experiences with your work and how it is helping them at training and in games.
"Some were hesitant at first but when they realised how simple and accessible these practices are with the potential to make a big difference, they are embracing the tools. In order to really measure success, we have a long term strategy to see a reduction in injury, better immunity, and boosts anaerobic performance. The players are utilising the techniques now to support sleep, therefore they are showing up to training more alert and breath aware which supports their pre-season strength and conditioning."
Q: Coach Anthony Seibold is very big on mindset, so how important is this part of the work they do with your work?
"Mental toughness is key for the players and training them to manage their pre games nerves, jitters, or over excitement, when they need to be grounded and focused. When the players understand their physiology and nervous system their capabilities are upgraded. The mindset work combined with the science and wisdom of performance breathing will support the players to be at their highest level of focus while simultaneously improving recovery."
Learn more about Deano's workshops here
Download Deano's successful Power of the Breath App here
