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Handler
Exercise database

Crocodile Breathing

Crocodile Breathing is a beginner cool-down exercise that primarily trains the diaphragm, with the lower back assisting. Equipment: bodyweight.

Library data updated BeginnerBodyweight

What this page is: structured data from Handler's own exercise library — the same cues, mistakes, ranges, and modifications the coach uses in the app. It is general exercise information, not an individual technique assessment or medical advice. Stop any movement that causes pain and seek qualified coaching or clinical care for injuries.

Demonstration loop from Handler's exercise library. Only the still frame loads until you press play.

Technique

Form cues for the crocodile breathing

  1. 01

    Settle into the position without forcing the end range.

  2. 02

    Breathe slowly through your nose or relaxed lips.

  3. 03

    Back off slightly if you start guarding or holding your breath.

  4. 04

    Lie on your stomach and breathe into the floor without forcing it.

Troubleshooting

Common mistakes

  • Forcing the stretch.

  • Bouncing in the end range.

  • Holding the breath.

Programming defaults

Sets, seconds, and rest by goal

These are the starting ranges Handler's library assigns to the crocodile breathing for each training goal. They are defaults the coach adjusts from your logged sets, not a prescription for any individual.

GoalSets × secondsRest between sets
Strength1 × 30–60 s10 s
Hypertrophy1 × 30–60 s10 s
Fat loss1 × 30–60 s10 s
General fitness1 × 30–60 s10 s

Between sets

  • Let your breath slow before changing sides.
  • Ease into the next hold rather than forcing it.

Working around discomfort

Modifications by body area

How Handler adjusts the crocodile breathing when a lifter reports a sensitive area. These are training modifications, not treatment. Pain that persists or worsens needs clinical assessment.

Lower back
Keep the low back relaxed and supported; stop if pressure builds.

Progression chain

Easier and harder variations

Regress to

This is the first step in its chain.

Questions about this exercise

What muscles does the crocodile breathing work?
The crocodile breathing primarily works the diaphragm. The lower back work as secondary or stabilising muscles. In Handler's library it is classified as a cool-down movement.
What equipment do you need for the crocodile breathing?
None. The crocodile breathing is a bodyweight exercise, which is why it appears in Handler's anywhere setups.
How many sets and seconds of the crocodile breathing should I do?
Handler's default for a strength focus is 1 × 30–60 s with about 10 s rest, and for a muscle-building focus 1 × 30–60 s with about 10 s rest. These are the library's starting ranges, not an individual prescription; the coach adjusts them from what you log.
Is the crocodile breathing suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is tagged beginner in Handler's library. When it feels easy, the next step in the progression chain is the supine box breathing.

More diaphragm exercises

Invited TestFlight beta · iPhone-first

Let the coach program the crocodile breathing for you.

Handler is our product. In the invited iPhone beta, the coach places exercises like this one into your plan, sets the starting ranges shown above, and adjusts them from the sets you log. Test build, not a public download.

Request beta access