Breathing Backwards!!!!

[carolynjane]

Hi Cathe,

I love all of your workouts! I did Step Jam, Push and Pull and the abs from Cardio and Weights last night and I feel strong today!

My question is about breathing. I have noticed that when I do weights, I always seem to be exhaling when you say to inhale, or visa versa. I don't know why I do this - it just seems to come naturally to me! Does this make any difference in the effectiveness of the workout? Thanks!

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Carolyn Jane! Breathing at the very least is better than not breathing at all. So you are in good shape if you are at least doing that . If you can remember to exhale on the exertion you will get even better results. Exhaling protects your muscles by acting as a girdle to hold your core/spine in place while lifting weight. Power lifters actually hold their breath while lifting MAXIMAL loads to help support their spine. We DO NOT encourage that in the general fitness area since this can spike your blood pressure, cause you to feel faint, and/or pass out.

Take Care!

 

[trevor]

I think I have even heard of tiny vessels bursting due to holding your breath. I have had instructors say that if you have troubles breathing out during the exertion, then just breath normally. And like Cathe said, just breathing is better than nothing at all.
Just to share a personal experience. I had a burst vessel show up in my left eye during an exam 3 months ago and was sent to a specialist. It's so tiny it is only seen using special equipment. But it can indicate other problems. Anyway, the specialist told me that the stress from heavier weightlifting could have contributed to blowing that vessel. They have given it 3 months to heal and I go back this Thursday. Anyway, I NEVER hold my breath and still had that happen to me. So always breathe!!
T.

 

[carolynjane]

Thanks for your help! I'm going to try harder to breathe right!