The Diaphragm and the 'Breathing Apparatus' for Athletes

The diaphragm is arguably the biggest muscle in the human body (or maybe it is the psoas — more on that in another entry). The "breathing apparatus" includes other diaphragms, the muscles around your rib cage, the mouth and throat, and more. Let's take one of my favorite muscles, the serratus anterior, which looks like fingers laid along each rib. Of course a kayaker (rower, canoeist) wants to breathe well, not only for the oxygen they need but also for the rhythm it establishes. And to pump that air the athlete doesn't just use their diaphragm — they use all those rib muscles. Which means those finger-like serratus anterior are squeezing and releasing with each breath. But guess what? The serratus anterior are prime paddling muscles — so a smart athlete gets a double advantage: breathe to get air, and breathe to pump your arms as well.