Breathing in the Pilates Push Up

A question I’m often asked by students is whether we should inhale or exhale on the way down during a Push Up. I have used both options in some of my videos in the past so a very valid question.

I discuss this subject and my choices in a short video on my Facebook page so read this post, watch the video and you decide! I’m talking about Push Ups in Pilates and explain why I think there is a choice. In the meantime, let’s look at the general advice on the subject:-

In the world of strength/resistance training and the gym, a personal trainer would advise inhale on the eccentrc contraction (on the way down) and exhale on the concentric contraction (on the way up). Some would advise performing a Valsalva Manouvre (breath holding). This link will take you to a video where Mike Robertson suggests inhaling to prepare, exhale to engage the core, then perform the Push Up without breathing in either direction.

I suspect that most people aren’t particularly aware of exactly how they breathe during this exercise. Pay attention, experiment and find what enables good technique and ensures safety for you.