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October 10, 2005
Protect your back with a 'virtual belt'
Q: Should I Power Breathe when I squat and deadlift?
When your spine is compressed by heavy poundage you cannot afford losing any air, for it protects your back like a pneumatic cushion. So instead of forcefully expelling your breath just pretend that you are – a technique I call ‘Virtual Power Breathing’. Obviously, it is not for comrades with heart or blood pressure issues.
Practice a couple of regular Power Breaths as I described elsewhere. Then do the same – but ‘catch your breath’ in your stomach instead of letting it escape. You will experience comfortable tightness in your waist as your abdomen gets pressurized. Your belly should not stick out or suck in; it will just get rock hard and you will feel very solid inside. Make sure not to flex your spine, try to maintain its normal curve.
Do not forget to employ this technique when you are hauling heavy stuff outside the gym and remember to religiously practice plain vanilla or water Power Breathing to hone your skill of pressurizing your abdomen.
The effects of Virtual Power Breathing are nothing short of miraculous. The usually heavy weight will feel whimsically light and your back is not likely to feel a thing.
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Posted by james at October 10, 2005 6:15 AM