San Diego Reader

M.A.:

After a run or a quick walk up Cowles Mtn. I have a tendency to put my hands on my hips as I breathe deeply. This is the only situation in which I stand around with my hands on my hips. Does the hands-on-hips position help with the intake of oxygen? If so, how?

-- Curt, the net

Chin up, shoulders back, spine straight, Curt. Now when you put your hands on your hips, your back and shoulder muscles rise and expand your rib cage so your diaphragm and chest muscles don't have to work so hard to get a good lungful of that (hack! hack!) Cowles Mountain air.