Is the 5 inhales/exhales mean to take 5 separate inhales and then 5 separate exhales or is it one 5 second exhale and then a 5 second inhale?

Hi Cali- In my experience (and others may have different input) the Hundred is performed with 5 very short, percussive inhales (really one inhale split into 5 "sniffs") and 5 very short, percussive counts of exhale. A variation occasionally suggested is a smooth breath in for the count of 5, and out for the count of 5. Changing the breath changes the focus somewhat. You can always experiment and see what each does for you

I have found with new clients that the percussive breathing is best and most easily done 5 short breaths in on an inhale and 5 short breaths out on exhale.. the big thing is the arm pump . I tell clients you dont have to pump arm in exact time with the breaths..for some reason that creates confusion..I just ask them to pump arms up and down in a slow but steady manner.If they pump arms too hard and fast it seems to get rather frantic..just my opinion!

In Jennifer Kries mat class on PA, she demonstrates a beautiful way to practice the 5 percussive inhales and exhales in a seated position, the spine very long, without the arms pumping. I thought it was a fantastic breathing exercise to practice, strengthening to the lungs, and prepares you so well for a strong coordinated Hundred with the arms pumping.

As someone who was in Jennifer's class, I would agree with you Arlene, doing The 100 without pumping the arms was a wonderful way to prepare for 'the real thing'. ... and I did feel prepared! A wonderful warm up for the lungs indeed!