Stronger Than Your Boyfriend
Join Katie and Heather, owners of Barpath Fitness, as they take a deep dive into important (and usually controversial) health & fitness topics. Combining a little science, a little ranting, and a lot of industry experience, Katie and Heather will be helping you sift through the toxic misinformation in the fitness industry. One podcast episode at a time. Barpath Fitness is an LGBTQ+ and women-owned fitness business that specializes in helping people move better, get stronger, and live pain free through individualized programming and coaching.
Stronger Than Your Boyfriend
Breathing & Bracing
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Barpath Fitness
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Season 1
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Episode 231
This episode of the podcast is about breathing and bracing — the two foundational techniques that are essential for both movement quality and injury prevention. We discuss how your breath and core work together in every lift, why bracing is key for stability, and how techniques like diaphragmatic breathing and the Valsalva maneuver support heavy lifting. We also break down the difference between bracing and hollowing, when to use each one, and what the current research says about their role in core activation and spinal support. Plus, we touch on weight belts — when they’re useful, when they’re not, and how to use them intentionally as part of a smart strength training plan.
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