Breathing is an important exercise technique that affects your body's physiological response to strength training. You may have difficulty even remembering to breathe sometimes, especially if you are trying a new exercise and are focusing on proper form and execution. However, holding your breath during the pullup exercise increases your blood pressure and may cause you to feel light-headed. Although breathing improperly is better than holding your breath, you should exhale on the exertion and inhale on the relaxation phase of the pullup.
Step 1
Grab the bar with a shoulder-width grip and lift your feet off the floor. Cross your ankles if desired. This is the starting position.
Step 2
Pull your shoulder blades down and together. Exhale as you bend your elbows to pull yourself up to the bar. Continue exhaling until your chin is at or above the bar.
Step 3
Inhale as you slowly lower yourself back to the starting position.
Tips and Warnings
- If you have difficulty breathing at the proper time, just make sure you breathe; don't hold your breath. A chinup is a pullup with a reverse grip -- your palms face you. Breathe in the same manner for a chinup as you do for a pullup.
- Consult a physician before starting an exercise program.
