People commonly breathe incorrectly when bench pressing and it can affect their pelvic floor. The proper way to breathe when you bench press is to perform the Valsalva Maneuver. But even still, people execute the Valsalva Maneuver improperly while bench pressing. Breathing correctly while benching is important for injury prevention and optimal strength.

When observing bench press technique, if you see the lower abdomen protruding out while the bar is moving down, up, or upon contacting the chest or upon executing the Valsalva Maneuver, this is an indication that the lifter is not performing the Valsalva Maneuver or breathing correctly while benching. Particularly in females, this pattern may indicate some weakness in the core or pelvic floor.

In this less-than-ten-minute episode of the PRS Podcast, Clinical Coach Dr. Rori Alter, PT shares a tip for identifying a lifter's incorrect breathing pattern when benching and how to correct it to improve performance, prevent injuries, and protect the pelvic floor while bench pressing.

Resources:

• How to Barbell Bench Press (Youtube)

• Barbell Bench Press | How to (coach the) Bench in 10 Minutes (10 Minute Tip Podcast)

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