Q:

How should I breath when I am working-out with weights?

A:

Breathing is an important part of your workout as it is important to supply your muscles with oxygen. Strengthening exercises have a concentric contraction(shortening) and an eccentric contraction(lengthening). For example, when performing barbell curls the concentric contraction is when you are curling the barbell up to your chest and the eccentric contraction is when you lower the barbell down. When exercising with weights try breathing out on the concentric part of the movement. If this is too confusing then simply breath out on the exertion or the most difficult part of the movement. The most important thing to remember when breathing and weight training is to breath consistently. Do not hold your breath while performing strengthening exercises as it is necessary for your muscles to be provided with oxygen. If you hold your breath you will get dizzy and your strength will be greatly limited.

Shaun Karp is a certified personal trainer in Vancouver. For further information call his office at 604-420-7800.