Breathing properly when lifting

[savax]

I had a novice question that I think there might be some disagreement on. When do you INHALE/EXHALE during your lifts? For example, if i'm doing bench, do I inhale on the lift or inhale on the way down??? I know this sounds like a silly question, but just wondering the best way to delivery O2 to my muscles
thanks!

[chest6]

i inhale on the way down and exhale on the way up

[lcpl kill]

yup yup, if you think about especially on bench if you were to breath in whilst pushing your body will be working against itself your lungs and ribs would be trying to inflate and expand while your muscles are contracting and compressing.

[Papi93]

i inhale on the way down and exhale on the way up

This is the way that I explain proper breathing to beginning strength trainers. Once they start putting up some serious weight, I tell them to trust their body and let the breathing take care of itself. When in a strength cycle, we may be attempting a low rep bench press (for example). Usually you can build more intra-abdominal pressure, important for stabilizing the spine, by holding the breath until you break through your sticking point. At that time, exhale but not too much that you lose your stability. Obviously, this isn't for a beginner. They probably would end up holding their breath and become light-headed. It's been said that they could pass out (I haven't seen it yet). Also, for those with heart conditions, this practice of breath holding is not recommended.

[chest6]

This is the way that I explain proper breathing to beginning strength trainers. Once they start putting up some serious weight, I tell them to trust their body and let the breathing take care of itself. When in a strength cycle, we may be attempting a low rep bench press (for example). Usually you can build more intra-abdominal pressure, important for stabilizing the spine, by holding the breath until you break though your sticking point. At that time exhale, but not too much that you lose your stability. Obviously, this isn't for a beginner. They probably would end up holding their breath and become light headed. It's been said that they could pass out (I haven't seen it yet). Also, for those with heart conditions, this practice of breath holding is not recommended.

This is what I do...I was assuming he was beginning asking that question

[Papi93]

This is what I do...I was assuming he was beginning asking that question

I knew that, no disrespect to you. This site has given me a lot of knowledge on AAS, so want to make sure I give back by giving as much info as possible on my training knowledge. I apologize if I stepped on your feet; afterall, you've been here longer than me.

[chest6]

I knew that, no disrespect to you. This site has given me a lot of knowledge on AAS, so want to make sure I give back by giving as much info as possible on my training knowledge. I apologize if I stepped on your feet; afterall, you've been here longer than me.

No offense taken. I do what you described..I cant tell if you are still unclear on which I do. Keep posting, this is a great site.

[jbabs414]

I'm sorry to say, but dude, if you don't even know breathing technique(s), I'm positive you are NOT ready for a cycle. When you get down breathing techs, read a WHOLE LOT before you even CONSIDER. Don't be STUPID.

[Joemeek]

I would say as a general rule, alway's exhale on hardest phase of the excersice.

[Powerathlete]

I would say as a general rule, alway's exhale on hardest phase of the excersice.

This is a good way to remember. The last thing you want to do is compress the inferior vena cava and pass out.