Tension and breathing are important

[Alex(AJ)]

Just figured i'd make a topic about it because i see soooooooo many people, say, squatting, and have their upper body relaxed, and lower body tensed.

I wish more would realize that no matter hte lift, u want to have constant tension- i.e., on squatting, when you unrack it, squeeze the shoulders together and drive your elbows forward. Helps keep a better line. Or with benching, squeeze shoulders together and drive forward with the feet.

And same with breathing; wish people would learn how to do controlled breathing. It's kind of funny watching somebody bench, and as they LOWER the bar they breath out, lol.

so just a reminder (since i'm even guilty of forgetting and, for example, squatting w/o tension in my upper body from time to time), tension and beathing are important

[Todd]

Yep, for sure, I totally agree with you Alex! Breathing stabilizes the body, provides power for the lift, prevents injury with heavy loads, as well as continued oxygen supply to the working muscles. Good point bro!