Importance of Breathing During Core Exercises

Holding our breath during abdominal exercises is a common mistake we see in physical therapy. Breathing properly during core exercises can help you more effectively train these muscles, and reduce chance of injury to surrounding areas. Proper breath work can help improve intra-abdominal pressure management, better activate your deep core muscles, and minimize excess strain to other body parts.

Pressure Management:

Breathing through core exercises allows us to better manage pressure in our abdomen and better utilize our abdominal muscles. Doming or “pooching” of your belly during a core strengthening activity can be a sign that you aren’t managing pressure well and a signal to modify the exercise.

Activation of Deep Core Muscles:

When we utilize breath properly during core strengthening, specifically on the exhale, our deep core muscles will reflexively contract. This group of muscles includes the transverse abdominis and pelvic floor muscles, which will help stabilize your spine and pelvis throughout the movement. Getting these muscles to properly engage can help prevent injury during core heavy workouts.

Minimize Excess Strain:

When we lack breathing and deep core control in our core workouts, other areas of the body such as the neck, shoulders, low back, and pelvic floor may overwork and strain to compensate. Breathing through your core exercises can help keep the focus to the abdominals, and minimize stress elsehwere.