Why is the valsalva maneuver used in weight lifting?”
But, it can be dangerous. Read the following: Valsalva’s Maneuver By: Erik T. Nason, MS, ATC/L, CSCS OK class the new medical term for the day is Valsalva maneuver. No Kenny, it is not a dance. It involves something that we all do everyday. That something is breathing. Most of us take breathing for granted and therefore give the saying dont know what you got until its gone a brand new meaning. Breathing as we all know is very important. So why do we forget to do it when we are weight lifting or performing a strenuous activity. Have you ever been spotting your friend as he or she is doing a bench press and you notice that their face is turning really red. Almost like their head is going to explode. Well that is not right. This is Valsalva maneuver in progress. The Valsalva maneuver is defined as increased chest and abdominal pressure by forcing a exhalation against a closed mouth (or glottis). Let me explain… First let’s review the breathing process. We start with an inspiration follo
