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"Proper" way to do a set of squats? (Breathing question)

 
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Nate C.

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Since: Dec 03, 2006
Posts: 8



(Msg. 1) Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 11:52 am
Post subject: "Proper" way to do a set of squats? (Breathing question)
Archived from groups: misc>fitness>weights (more info?)

Lately I've been working on my squat technique by using lower weight and
focusing on my form. One thing I'm wondering about is how to deal with
breathing and getting winded/tired during a set. Right now I do about 5
or 6 reps in a row by breathing in on the way down and out on the way up
and taking no additional breaths in between. At that point I lose steam
and start "resting" at the top and taking 4-5 breaths between each
subsequent rep. Doing this I can usually get out 5 or 6 more reps. Is
there any problem with doing it this way? Should I end the set when I
feel the need to stop and breathe? Should I take an additional breath or
two between EVERY rep? Does it even matter at all?

Thanks,
Nate

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Steve Freides

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Since: Jan 08, 2005
Posts: 2032



(Msg. 2) Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 12:31 pm
Post subject: Re: "Proper" way to do a set of squats? (Breathing question) [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)

"Nate C." <nconnors@*jee*mail.com> wrote in message
news:ekuvc7$322j$2@netnews.upenn.edu...
> Lately I've been working on my squat technique by using lower weight
> and focusing on my form. One thing I'm wondering about is how to deal
> with breathing and getting winded/tired during a set. Right now I do
> about 5 or 6 reps in a row by breathing in on the way down and out on
> the way up and taking no additional breaths in between. At that point
> I lose steam and start "resting" at the top and taking 4-5 breaths
> between each subsequent rep. Doing this I can usually get out 5 or 6
> more reps. Is there any problem with doing it this way? Should I end
> the set when I feel the need to stop and breathe? Should I take an
> additional breath or two between EVERY rep? Does it even matter at
> all?
>
> Thanks,
> Nate

There isn't one "proper" way - there are improper ways, but also many
different ways that work. What you're doing is fine - if it's helping
you achieve your goals, stick with it. Google "breathing squats" for
yourself and do a bit of reading. Most people mention it in the context
of 20-rep sets, but I read what you're doing as hard work and hard work
in the weight room is generally a good thing, IMHO. If you feel like
you're lacking in endurance, Google "strength endurance" as well - a bit
of work along those lines may be helpful to you, e.g., doing 5-6 reps
per sets only but more sets and keeping the rest periods short.

-S-
http://www.kbnj.com

 >> Stay informed about: "Proper" way to do a set of squats? (Breathing question) 
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Curt

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Since: Oct 25, 2006
Posts: 388



(Msg. 3) Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 3:08 pm
Post subject: Re: "Proper" way to do a set of squats? (Breathing question) [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)

Bully wrote:
> Nate C. wrote:

> > Lately I've been working on my squat technique by using lower weight
> > and focusing on my form. One thing I'm wondering about is how to deal
> > with breathing and getting winded/tired during a set. Right now I do
> > about 5 or 6 reps in a row by breathing in on the way down and out on
> > the way up and taking no additional breaths in between.
>
> I find it best to breate

I would point out "breate" however I just misspelled crave elsewhere.
Meh.

> in just before commencing the rep & breathing out as

as = at, I 'spect.

> the top of the rep.

Just sayin'.

> > At that point I lose steam and start "resting" at the top and taking
> > 4-5 breaths between each subsequent rep.
>
> Would you describe yourslef as fit?!?

Would you, Bully, describe yoursELf as a dick?!? (And one prone to
typos? Thank you, btw. I love to proofread schtufff. Your posts are
fertile ground.)

Nate, squats can get ya breathing. There's no doubt about that.

> > Doing this I can usually get out 5 or 6 more reps. Is there any
> > problem with doing it this way?

No.

> > Should I end the set when I feel the need to stop and breathe?

No.

> > Should I take an additional breath or two between EVERY rep?

Couldn't hurt. Like Bully, I breate, er, breathe in just before
commencing the rep and breathe out as, er, at the end of or as I
complete the rep.

> > Does it even matter at all?

As long as you're not holding your breath then I'd say you'll be fine.

> > Thanks,
> > Nate

Good training to you, Nate.

--
Curt
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Bully

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Since: Oct 04, 2006
Posts: 514



(Msg. 4) Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 10:24 pm
Post subject: Re: "Proper" way to do a set of squats? (Breathing question) [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)

Nate C. wrote:
> Lately I've been working on my squat technique by using lower weight
> and focusing on my form. One thing I'm wondering about is how to deal
> with breathing and getting winded/tired during a set. Right now I do
> about 5 or 6 reps in a row by breathing in on the way down and out on
> the way up and taking no additional breaths in between.

I find it best to breate in just before commencing the rep & breathing out
as the top of the rep.

> At that point
> I lose steam and start "resting" at the top and taking 4-5 breaths
> between each subsequent rep.

Would you describe yourslef as fit?!?

> Doing this I can usually get out 5 or 6
> more reps. Is there any problem with doing it this way? Should I end
> the set when I feel the need to stop and breathe? Should I take an
> additional breath or two between EVERY rep? Does it even matter at
> all?
> Thanks,
> Nate



--
Bully
Protein bars: http://www.proteinbars.co.uk

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't
matter, and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss
 >> Stay informed about: "Proper" way to do a set of squats? (Breathing question) 
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Nate C.

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Since: Dec 03, 2006
Posts: 8



(Msg. 5) Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2006 10:09 am
Post subject: Re: "Proper" way to do a set of squats? (Breathing question) [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)

Bully wrote:
> Nate C. wrote:
>> Lately I've been working on my squat technique by using lower weight
>> and focusing on my form. One thing I'm wondering about is how to deal
>> with breathing and getting winded/tired during a set. Right now I do
>> about 5 or 6 reps in a row by breathing in on the way down and out on
>> the way up and taking no additional breaths in between.
>
> I find it best to breate in just before commencing the rep & breathing out
> as the top of the rep.
>
>> At that point
>> I lose steam and start "resting" at the top and taking 4-5 breaths
>> between each subsequent rep.
>
> Would you describe yourslef as fit?!?


I dunno. It's all relative I guess. I'm definitely no marathon runner
but definitely not out-of-shape. I'm 6'6" and do my squats A2G so I'm
moving those weights quite a long distance. And in watching other people
do "squats" (a slight bend in the knee then right back up, complete with
dramatic screaming/grunting), I'm starting to think 5-6 solid reps
before switching over to my breathing squats is okay, especially since
I'm not working toward any type of endurance goals. Mostly just looking
to add mass and get stronger.
 >> Stay informed about: "Proper" way to do a set of squats? (Breathing question) 
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Bully

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Since: Oct 04, 2006
Posts: 514



(Msg. 6) Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2006 3:15 pm
Post subject: Re: "Proper" way to do a set of squats? (Breathing question) [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)

Nate C. wrote:
> Bully wrote:
>> Nate C. wrote:
>>> Lately I've been working on my squat technique by using lower weight
>>> and focusing on my form. One thing I'm wondering about is how to
>>> deal with breathing and getting winded/tired during a set. Right
>>> now I do about 5 or 6 reps in a row by breathing in on the way down
>>> and out on the way up and taking no additional breaths in between.
>>
>> I find it best to breate in just before commencing the rep &
>> breathing out as the top of the rep.
>>
>>> At that point
>>> I lose steam and start "resting" at the top and taking 4-5 breaths
>>> between each subsequent rep.
>>
>> Would you describe yourslef as fit?!?
>
>
> I dunno. It's all relative I guess. I'm definitely no marathon runner
> but definitely not out-of-shape.

Do you smoke?


> I'm 6'6" and do my squats A2G so I'm
> moving those weights quite a long distance. And in watching other
> people do "squats" (a slight bend in the knee then right back up,
> complete with dramatic screaming/grunting),

Ignore those tossers.

> I'm starting to think 5-6
> solid reps before switching over to my breathing squats is okay,

I'd be inclined to disagree esp. as you are lifting light.I squatted today,
quite heavy, 3 sets of 8. I was definitely out of breath at the end of each
set but would have been concerned if my breathing had given way after 5 or 6
reps !!! Do you suffer from asthma?

> especially since I'm not working toward any type of endurance goals.

30-40 secs doesn't really qualify as endurance !!!

> Mostly just looking to add mass and get stronger.

Aren't we all Smile ! Actually, you'll find not everyone here has either of
those as a goal!!

--
Bully
Protein bars: http://www.proteinbars.co.uk

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't
matter, and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss
 >> Stay informed about: "Proper" way to do a set of squats? (Breathing question) 
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Stephan Carydakis

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Since: Dec 05, 2006
Posts: 59



(Msg. 7) Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 3:15 am
Post subject: Re: "Proper" way to do a set of squats? (Breathing question) [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)

"Nate C." <nconnors@*jee*mail.com> wrote in message
news:ekuvc7$322j$2@netnews.upenn.edu...
> Lately I've been working on my squat technique by using lower weight and
> focusing on my form. One thing I'm wondering about is how to deal with
> breathing and getting winded/tired during a set. Right now I do about 5
> or 6 reps in a row by breathing in on the way down and out on the way up
> and taking no additional breaths in between. At that point I lose steam
> and start "resting" at the top and taking 4-5 breaths between each
> subsequent rep. Doing this I can usually get out 5 or 6 more reps. Is
> there any problem with doing it this way? Should I end the set when I
> feel the need to stop and breathe? Should I take an additional breath or
> two between EVERY rep? Does it even matter at all?
>
> Thanks,
> Nate

Hey Nate,

I don't do squats because of a back problem but I do leg press instead. What
you describe sounds just like what I have experienced in the past. Usually
during my last heavy set, I would get very puffed and right after finishing
I would get light headed for a few seconds. For me, doing extra cardio
helped heaps. I used to struggle on weights 80 kg lighter than what I press
now. I still get puffed but not to the extent I was.

Steph.
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