Abstract: A device and method for monitoring respiration in freely moving subjects uses measurement of changes in axial circumference during respiration to compute, store, and display respiratory rate, volume flows, and drive patterns. Since the embodiments allow a direct absolute measure of circumference throughout the respiratory cycle, they are amenable to low frequency sampling and provide an opportunity to use anthropometric scaling without resorting to concomitant spirometry. Belt sensors arranged in parallel to belt tautening forces permit independent adjustment of pre-load forces on the displacement-measuring components. The monitoring system can be used at home to facilitate a wide range of health and fitness objectives such as tracking dysfunctional breathing patterns, optimizing athletic training, and learning relaxation practices such a pranayama.