In, Out or Hold? How Proper Breathing Can Boost Your Training Results

By Team eLifestyle Fitness and Lifestyle Expert Robb Armstrong

In last week’s Fit Tip I told you how to get a ripped midsection when your timing was down to the crunch.

This week's Fit Tip: If you’ve ever felt light-headed after a particular exercise, or your training partner or personal trainer tells you look like your head is about to pop off while you’re completing a set of crunches, this Fit Tip is for you!

It takes correct form and technique – in this case, proper breathing – to make sure you’re getting the absolute best results from your training efforts. So when do you breath in, out or hold during a particular exercise?

Why Proper Breathing?

Conscious breathing or breath control is paramount during exercise in a few ways. It increases the efficiency of cardiovascular training, aids stability and power during bouts of strength and endurance training, and during inner focus (mind and body) and flexibility training, it promotes relaxation.

In, Out or Hold?

Strength/Resistance Training – During weight lifting, exhale upon exertion (the most difficult part of the movement) and inhale upon recovery (the return or easiest part of the movement).

For example, when performing a chest press, exhale when you’re pushing the weight forward (top of the motion), and then inhale as you bring the weight back (bottom of the motion). This equips the body with a more efficient exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide to provide the power and endurance needed to continue.

Important: Never hold your breath during exercise! Following this rule will prevent dizziness and uncharacteristic shortness of breath during all forms of exercise.

Up Next … Look better, be stronger and burn more fat. I tell you how next week!

Note: Check back every week for more current and informative health and fitness tips from Robb at eLifestyle!