Called the eccentric phase of the lift, it's when your muscles lengthen. That means you're going to inhale (breathe in) as you lower the weight back down to your chest (the concentric phase). During a bench press, breathe in as you lower the bar toward your chest and breathe out as you lift the bar back up.

When should you inhale during weight training?

To properly breathe during strength training inhale on the eccentric phase and exhale during the concentric phase. Exhale while you're doing the hardest work, and inhale as you're coming back to your starting position. Properly breathing will make it easier to perform the exercise.

Should you breathe in or out when lifting weights?

Breathe. You might be tempted to hold your breath while you're lifting weights. Don't hold your breath. Instead, breathe out as you lift the weight and breathe in as you lower the weight.