Eli5: why are personal trainers always reminding us to breathe?

Question

It seems that is is common that when we are lifting weights that we as humans tend to hold our breath especially if we are a beginner. What is the benefit even if it’s only a few seconds?

In: 1

Answer 1

When you tense up you tend to hold your breath. Holding your breath is detrimental because you need oxygen to do the thing you are trying to do.