The Power of Breathing: Shonan Bellmare's Secret to Fewer Injuries
In a remarkable turn of events, the Shonan Bellmare Futsal Club, under the guidance of BREATHER Co., a company specializing in deep breathing support devices, has achieved the lowest injury rates in a decade during the 2024-2025 season. The partnership has led to the adoption of a breathing optimization program aimed at improving both player performance and overall well-being.
BREATHER's Innovative Breathing Optimization Program
Started in Tokyo, Japan, BREATHER has made headlines with its innovative breathing optimization program, leveraging their signature device, the "ston s." As an official premium partner of the Shonan Bellmare Futsal Club, they actively implement strategies for breathing training and promote regular deep breathing practices for the athletes. This initiative aims to not only enhance athletic performance but also address general health issues faced by players.
The program kicked off with initial assessments to gauge the impact of their breathing optimization efforts. Remarkably, results indicated improvements in players' breathing rates and overall physical movements. Following the implementation of breathing exercises, athletes reported higher satisfaction levels, with nearly all expressing their intention to continue these practices on a daily basis. About 86% of players affirmed they would incorporate breathing exercises into their routine, marking a significant commitment to enhancing their physical condition.
Evidence of Success
The measurements taken during recent sessions illustrated a clear trend: those athletes who engaged consistently in breathing exercises demonstrated notably better metrics compared to those who did not. Players began to report an array of benefits including better sleep quality, a decrease in injuries, reduced anxiety, and improved focus. Such testimonials underscore the potential effectiveness of the program, despite it being a personal experience and not an official claim of health improvement benefits.
One of the standout achievements of this season has been the significant drop in injury rates, with many staff members attributing this positive trend directly to the success of the breathing optimization program. Toshiro Fukawa, a trainer for Shonan Bellmare, shared insights into the benefits it has provided.
Trainer Insights: Toshiro Fukawa
Born in 1982 in Aichi Prefecture and a graduate of Toho High School, Fukawa transitioned into professional training after attending Trident Health Science College. His career path saw him working with the Nagoya Oceans before joining the Shonan Bellmare Futsal Club in 2012. Fukawa emphasizes the importance of breathing, not only in enhancing athletic performance but also in the recovery processes of players. With input from breathing consultant and athletic trainer, Takashi Ohnuki, he noted that developing a routine around breathing exercises has been invaluable in maintaining player health and performance.
Expert Commentary: Takashi Ohnuki
As a consultant specializing in breathing, Ohnuki expands on this program's reach, focusing on the alleviation of players' anxiety, enhancement of sleep quality, and overall performance improvements. He expressed his joy in seeing the tangible results of reduced injuries, acknowledging that even unexpected benefits, such as improvements in allergies, were being reported by the players. Administering a program that highlights both performance enhancement and physical wellness has garnered collective enthusiasm among the athletes.
About Shonan Bellmare Futsal Club
Established in Odawara, the Shonan Bellmare Futsal Club participates in the F League's Division 1. Known for addressing community issues, they are on a mission to become a beacon of strength for their locality, pledging to tackle 160 social challenge projects by 2026.
Website:
shonan-bellmare-futsal.com
About BREATHER Inc.
Founded in 2019 and based in Tokyo, BREATHER Inc. aims to revolutionize relaxation through innovations in breathing. Their product line includes the deep breathing support device "ston" and the multi-use cushion "fufuly."
Website:
breather.co.jp
Official EC site:
official-store.breather.co.jp
Conclusion
The collaboration between Shonan Bellmare and BREATHER has clearly showcased the profound impacts that a systematic focus on breathing can have on athletic performance and well-being. As the program continues to evolve, it sets a precedent for future innovations in sports training and health.