Best Way To Breathe
During Weight Training
Most experts advise avoiding the
Valsalva maneuver (holding your
breath and straining) during weight
training because it causes dramatic
increases in blood pressure.
Scientists have measured systolic
blood pressures as high as 400 mm
of mercury in athletes using the
Valsalva maneuver during heavy
squats (120 mm Hg is normal at
rest). Some lifters argue that the
Valsalva maneuver helps stabilize
the trunk, which can dramatically
increase strength.
Elizabeth Ikeda and colleagues from
the School of Physical Therapy at the
University of Montana found few differences
in force output during movements
of the knee, shoulder and
elbow on an isokinetic device when
people breathed normally; breathed
in during the active phase of the lift;
breathed out forcefully during the
active phase of the lift; or used the
Valsalva maneuver. Researchers concluded
that forced expiration during
the active phase of the lift is the most
effective and safest way to breathe
during weight training. These results
may not apply to experience strengthtrained
athletes lifting free weights.