Dooley Noted: 9/9/2014
Last night, I was helping a patient build intra-abdominal pressure to support a heavy load she was carrying.
As she sat down the weights, she stated what many ladies have before her:
“I feel so silly hissing like this.”
The hiss is a controlled exhale.
Imagine the hiss like slowly letting the air out of a balloon. You maintain the tension around that globe, even with the last bit of air you let out of it.
When you are under heavy load, it’s crucial to maintain intra-abdominal pressure to support your back and provide stability for the limbs to move. This gives an audible and physical cue to maintain tension along the abdominal wall by letting out air in a controlled fashion.
Holding the breath can make one pass out under heavy load. So, you must let air escape on the exhale. Since oxygen is delivered on the exhale, this crucial gas exchange is necessary to balance out blood acidity.
So, protect your back, build strength, and oxygenate tissues with a controlled exhale, like a hiss.
No one will pay attention to your hiss, ladies.
They’ll be too mesmerized by that amazing weight you’re carrying.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley