Don't hold your breath
Breathing is very important. "Thank you, Captain Obvious" is probably what you're thinking. But, there is a reason why I mention something that seems so obvious.
First off, weight training, resistance training -- it all pretty much means the same thing, so don't get confused by the wording. Basically, anything that involves the pushing or pulling of something -- be it a dumbbell, a resistance band, or even your own body weight -- falls under the umbrella category of weight or resistance training.
Back to my point -- when it comes to resistance training, there is a risk of raising the blood pressure in your eyes. Research shows that because of something called Valsalva (an effort to exhale while keeping your air passages closed), an increase in blood pressure can occur. The same applies for cardio, although it is rare for people hold their breath while performing exercises of this kind.
Just some healthy advice from your friendly neighborhood Captain Obvious. But before I go, I just want to point out that there were a lot of spaceships in the movie Star Wars. Just something I noticed.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-21-2008 @ 7:57PM
Chris said...
The only exception I would agree with would be while doing squats. When you get to the bottom of the squat and start pressing up the need for stability is very dependent on keeping the lower torso rigid (lower back, obliques and abdomen.) Holding your breath during the first third or half of the lift helps protect the back and power the lift. Then exhale for the rest of the lift. When done correctly this should only last a second to a second and a half. Any longer and your probably lifting too much not to mention the risk of becoming light headed. Squats plus light headed equals falling.
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2-21-2008 @ 9:20PM
nikkicookers said...
Well what can the increased blood pressure in your eyes do tho? I feel like the blog should explain a little more. Love your writing though.
nikki
http://fitconnect.com/lilnicky1234
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