Breathing is something the body does so automatically that under certain circumstances, it is very easy to forget to do. This is one of the most common cues I will be telling clients, “breath.” Why? During a workout, you’re sending neuromuscular signals to cause muscular contraction to perform each exercise, as the intensity level of the exercise increases slightly, more thought and focus is placed into the muscle contraction, so much so that we literally forget to breath. Obviously, this becomes a problem as our muscles need oxygen in order to breakdown the necessary energy sources used for muscle contraction. When we stop breathing, we starve our muscles of much need oxygen and prevent the removal of carbon monoxide by-products.
Another side-effect that is typically produced when an individual stops breathing is in increase in internal thoracic pressure, called the Val Salva maneuver. This increase in pressure involves a huge increase in total muscle tension (not just in the muscles needed for the current exercise) and causes a rapid increase in heart rate. Because breathing is typically so second nature to us, it takes time and practice to learn how to consciously focus on breathing. While performing each exercise, focus on creating an even, and controlled rhythm of breathing. This allows air to continuously move in and out of your lungs, ensuring that oxygen is being delivered to the working muscles, and prevent excess tension from developing in the none-exercising muscles.
Check out a related blog: Breathing During Strength Training and the Valsalva Maneuver
About the author
Dwayne Wimmer founded Vertex Fitness Personal Training Studio in 2001, excited to bring a new concept about personal training to the people of Philadelphia’s Main Line in Pennsylvania. Driven by knowledge and results both, while a strength coach at Villanova University, he worked closely with world class athletes such as Brian Westbrook, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles, on strength training and conditioning for optimal performance. Dwayne’s client base extends much further than world class athletes. Along with athletes, he works with adolescents to seniors, and he’s a highly acclaimed and sought out personal trainer who has received numerous awards, such as Best of the Main Line Personal Training Studio and Best Main Line Personal Trainer. A graduate of Missouri Western State University, Dwayne has a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education, with an emphasis in Coaching. Aside from personal training, he’s spent time as a physical education teacher, strength and conditioning coach, and a football coach, but has found his passion and home in the fitness industry, inspiring and reaching out to others. As a strong believer in continuing to learn, Dwayne has also taken classes at East Stroudsburg University toward a Masters Degree in Sports Management. He can add author to his list of accomplishments, having created a chapter in the upcoming book The Soul of Success with Jack Canfield, renowned for the Chicken Soup series. To get to the point where he is now, Dwayne has always been thankful for the support of his father, a man who always believed in his mission and saw the need for what it was that Dwayne envisioned. During his free time, Dwayne is an avid motorcyclist who enjoys viewing the amazing landscapes and finding good restaurants to enjoy that are off the beaten path. He also takes advantage of opportunities to travel and experience many other cities while attending fitness seminars and giving presentations about the industry he is so passionate about. As a way to give back to the community that has been a part of his entire life, Dwayne has created Vertex Fitness PUMPED (People United Making Progress through Education and Donations), which provides support to area non-profits through a community-wide outreach effort. At this time, they help three non-profits per year in the Philadelphia area. For more information from Dwayne, you may contact him at (610) 525-6604, dwayne@vertexfit.com