Squat Pillar #2 | Breathing and Bracing | JTSstrength.com

Summary by Krater

This video explains the second pillar of squat technique: proper breathing and intra-abdominal pressure. It concludes that achieving 360-degree circumferential expansion through the obliques and lower abdomen, rather than pushing the belly straight forward or breathing into the chest, is essential for stability and safety.

From the video

Answers: How do I breathe properly for a heavy squat?

• squat breathing technique
• intra-abdominal pressure
• oblique tension in squat
• 90/90 breathing drill

Exercises

• squat · barbell
• 90/90 breathing drill · bench

What it concludes

• Breathing into the belly and pushing abs straight forward misses out on potential pressure and stability, and can cause low-back hyperextension.
• Taking air in through the nose and mouth and pushing the air down and out through the obliques creates 360 degrees of circumferential pressure.
• Unracking the bar with the hips and legs underneath you prevents hyperextension of the lower back.
• Breathing into the chest and shoulders puts the bar higher and fails to generate proper torso stability.
• Practicing 90/90 breathing drills is essential to building the foundational breathing pattern needed for heavy squatting.