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What is the proper way to breathe during strength training?

National Academy of Sports Medicine
National Academy of Sports Medicine
answer

To properly breathe during strength training inhale on the eccentric phase and exhale during the concentric phase. Exhale while you’re doing the hardest work, and inhale as you’re coming back to your starting position. Properly breathing will make it easier to perform the exercise. If you are new to resistance training, exaggerate your breathing slightly until you get a good feel for inhaling and exhaling at the proper times.

Wendy Batts
Wendy Batts on behalf of Sharecare Fitness
Fitness
answer
The proper way to breath during a strength training program is to remember to do it!  The most important thing to remember is to breathe in and out normally/comfortably and not force a count on how long you should be breathing in and out.  Many people tend to hold their breath which can cause you to become dizzy or lightheaded and will decrease the overall performance of your program.  When you are starting out, your exercise repetitions should be slow and controlled.  For this reason, putting a specific count to how to breathe in and out does not make sense.  You should focus on controlling your breathing and exhale when you are exerting the most amount of force for the best results.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.