Proper Breathing Technique When Strength Training

At the Helm

Proper breathing technique is important when it comes to strength training. For most people the best approach is the rhythmic breathing technique. The goal is to maintain a steady, rhythmic pattern throughout the workout to improve oxygen flow, endurance, and overall performance.

You should be inhaling during the eccentric phase (when lowering the weight). During the eccentric phase, your muscles are lengthening, which creates more tension. Inhaling increases intra-abdominal pressure to help stabilize your spine and prevent injury.

You should be exhaling during the concentric phase (when lifting the weight). Exhaling will decrease intra-abdominal pressure which allows you to complete the lift more easily.

Practical Advice:

Slow down your workout when lifting weights to focus on aligning your breath with each rep. By doing this, your muscles will also get more time under tension (TUT), which forces your muscles to work harder.