Oxygen and Lifting weights

[Monkey]

when you lift weights, lets say you're benching or squatting. you are doing
3 sets of 8 reps each, does your body need oxygen?

what if you hold your breath, what will happen?

is there any possible positive benefits from holding one's breath while weightlifting? i'm just wondering.

does your body use oxygen more efficiently?

[Lift2Live]

Of course your body needs oxygen, it's vital! Holding your breathe is NOT good practice! There are no positives to it.

[Hell_Yes]

well... you can pass out

that's good... right?

[killerduck]

Of course Oxygen is needed, why do you think that you get out of breth you you work out??? Has anyone noticed that you seem to get out of breath more as you get bigger? i guess this is because more of your body is doing work.

[MostMuscle]

Holding one's breathe is potential dangerous during weightlifting as this will dramatically raise you blood pressure. This could casue dizziness, disorientation, even blackouts.

But...

You should hold then breathe through the "sticking point" of an exercise to provide an increase in rigidity of the entire torse to aid in supporting the spine. This is call the "Valsalva maneuver".

As a rule, remember to exhale on the exertion or concentric phase of an exercise and inhale on the eccentric phase.