I'm back to lifting weights and I'm really struggling to breath through it. When I'm lifting the free weights (only 10lbs, nothing over the top) and doing things like bicep curls or tricep exercises, it's as though I forget how to breath. I'm eithor holding my breath or just not breathing correctly. When I put the weights down, I eithor get some palpitations or my breathing rhythm just seems out of whack. It's as so my heart has some catching-up to do, does that make any sense?

Does anyone else have a problem breathing correctly when lifting weights? If so, have you found a solution? If anyone has any tips, I would greatly appreciate it (Armadillo, are you out there??).

Hugs,
Karen

Keeping a healthy flow of oxygen in your bloodstream is one of the biggest favors you can do for your body. If you don't breathe properly while lifting. you will get dizzy, and put undue stress on your heart and lings.

So, here's how to do it.

Exhale when lifting the weight.
Inhale when returning the weight to the starting position.

So for example, if you are doing arm curls with dumbbells, breathe out as you lift the weight up. Then as you straighten your arms to return the weight to the starting position, breath in. A good way to remember this is to breathe out whenever you are doing the most work or a difficult movement.

I've been a hard core athlete (martial arts, running and heavy duty body building) for 25+ years and I STILL forget to breath. This only seems to occur when I'm highly agitated otherwise I do fine. The technique armadillo says is correct, however you must also focus your mind because without the focus you will surely drift into anxiety land. You have to tell yourself you can get through the set, running X miles or whatever just fine. Make yourself believe this thought. Make yourself FEEL your heart pound and tell yourself it's perfectly normal and part of exertion. Also the brealthleness is normal and you will be able to breath normally in a minute or two.

Thanks so much Armadillo and Gia. I can't believe how much easier said than done, it is for me. I've been practicing what you suggest and the proper way to breath, however; it's really a struggle for me to implement the correct method. I suppse I will have to keep practicing. Who ever thought something as simple as proper breathing could be so challenging for me.

Thanks again,
Hugs,
Karen