Breathe, Don’t Brace: Unlocking Natural Strength

When lifting something heavy, do you instinctively hold your breath or tighten your whole body? It’s a common habit—but not a helpful one.

Bracing (tensing the body) can limit movement, restrict breathing mechanics, and reduce your overall functional strength. It can also interfere with your body’s ability to generate force efficiently.

Try this instead:

• Inhale through your nose on the way down

• Exhale fully through your mouth on the way up

  
  

This conscious breath pattern supports your body's natural ability to lengthen and shorten at the right time, leading to more fluid and powerful movement.