Run-Down Forums

[Guest]

Hello Dan,
This is a wierd but logical question. Many people say one should breath will doing exersizes, but when I do either pushups and/or weights (12 reps) I feel ALOT stronger when on weights, if I start breathing like the "end of a 400" when starting on the 6th rep. The first 6 I feel better if I barely even breath. Is this normal?? It feels like I don't need it, this is the same w/ my pushups. I tried breathing at the begging of them and I just feel like Its unecesarry, and actually my arms seem to get tired quicker when I breath short quicker breaths while doing them so I just breath like every 5. Sorry for this, I know it sounds wierd and confusing, but please tell me what you think, and tell me what the right way is

[Dan]

I understand what you're talking about. I don't know exact reasons for different lines of thought, but muscles do demand large amounts of oxygen when being used. I would definitely say you need to be breathing regularly and controlled while lifting, preferable one breath per lift (obviously won't work as well for push ups). When I have done heavy lifting in the past, it was normal for me to change my breathing pattern to very short, rapid breaths at the top of the set(s). Sort of like getting yourself pumped up at the starting line.

Hope this helps,
Dan