Is that dangerous

[solomona]

Why do people have a tendency to hold their breath when lifting? Is that dangerous?

[cymry]

It's the Valsalva manoeuvre. No, it isn't dangerous.

[Kuma]

It raises your blood pressure, which can if you already have problems with it. Otherwise, aside from passing out with the weight still on you, there's no real danger.

[mr_obvious]

IMHO, you should lift like you train in the Dojo. Inhale on the eccentric phase, exhale on the concentric phase, while tensing the pelvic floor. Might help to audibly kiai when doing each rep to practice -- just to start. Some of the people around you.....might not understand, heh

DON'T hold your breath, unless your goal is and you're experienced training in an oxygen-lean condition. I've seen dudes passout / drop weight bars on their chest after passing out doing that. Not fun!

[WireFrame]

Exhale on a lift. Holding your breath may not be dangerous but it doesn't help either.