SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/lift-avoid-valsalva-spike
Why is straining while holding your breath a concern during exercise?
It can raise your blood pressure, so breathe steadily instead.
- It makes muscles cramp
- It lowers your blood sugar
- It can raise your blood pressure ✔
Why: Straining while holding your breath is called the Valsalva maneuver. Mayo Clinic Health System notes it can raise your blood pressure, which is why trainers say to keep breathing.
Huh, didn't know that: Doctors sometimes use the Valsalva maneuver on purpose, because it can return some fast heart rhythms to normal.
Holding your breath while lifting? Your face is not supposed to match the purple dumbbells.
Like this card?
References
Answer: It can raise your blood pressure. Straining while holding your breath is called the Valsalva maneuver. Mayo Clinic Health System notes it can raise your blood pressure, which is why trainers say to keep breathing.
- Mayo Clinic Health System: Isometric exercise and blood pressure www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/isometric-exercise-and-blood-pressure
straining and holding your breath, which can raise your blood pressure
Checked 2026-10-12. - Cleveland Clinic: Valsalva Maneuver my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23209-valsalva-maneuver
The Valsalva maneuver is a drug-free way to quickly return an abnormal heart rhythm to normal.
Checked 2026-10-12.
Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.
More stuff everyone should know
Sports & FitnessWhich feeling during a set is a signal to stop?Sports & FitnessHow many days a week should adults do muscle-strengthening activity, per the US Physical Activity Guidelines?Sports & FitnessWhich muscles should your strength workouts cover, according to the US Physical Activity Guidelines?
That's stuff everyone should know.