Thanks for what you’ve said about my writing. I never meant to be away for so long, hence the lack of any note or explanation. I simply didn’t have much to say about strength training for a while. If I’m not thinking about it a lot, the words and ideas don’t flow.

You are so right about having fun and remembering why we want to be fit and strong in the first place!

Anyway, I find I must hold my breath and take small “sips” of air at the top of the motion or else I collapse (the weight buries me—just ask my chin). I haven’t really thought about it much—it’s just something I had to do to make the movement work.

What does this mean for benching? Probably not much, and as you’ve pointed out to hold or not to hold is really a calculated risk/benefit analysis for this or any movement. Arching your back on the bench press has risks too. But that, plus the solid foundation that comes from holding your breath, will increase your ability to lift heavier weights. I suppose you could make an argument that we “naturally” hold our breath when pushing, pulling, and bracing in real-world activities; and, if so, it’s probably what we were designed to do….

In any case I’m glad to see you’re back! Sounds like you’ve been having a lot of fun outside and that’s fantastic. I will say that I got used to dropping by here starting early this year. The topics and writing style/tone are refreshing, clear, and engaging and a far cry from the usual “buy our product” artificial testosterone laced drivel (T-Nation and other sites have some good info but after awhile the boilerplate tone wears thin.) But then in April POOF and nothing! I was actually quite worried and thought something catastrophic had happened…. I’m very happy to know that you are okay! Maybe an “I’m on sabbatical” note next time?

Keep having fun! What you do in my book isn’t as important as keeping movement/activity a part of your life. Play/fun are a key part of keeping at it and I’m convinced that it keeps us from growing old in mind/body/spirit.

So I’m in my starting position, breath held. As I initially take the load I’ll let a tiny bit of air out, same amount if I was blowing out a candle, then hold it for 1/3 of the way up, then the remaining time I start to exhale slowly. Once I’m at the top, I exhale whatever is remaining, then take a breath in. I hope that makes sense!

I haven’t become dizzy so far, although I don’t think I’m lifting heavy enough to become worried yet!

(That aside, I’m so pleased you’re writing again!)