Today's tip from trainer Frank LaCoco of Five Seasons Family Sports Club deals with something we often don't think about when we exercise.

Each exercise repetition has two parts - call it a positive and a negative, an in and an out, an up and a down, a lift and a lower.

It's crucial to exhale on the harder part of the exercise. What happens too often is when the hard part hits we find ourselves holding our breath, jaws clenching and face turning red.

Instead, imagine yourself actually blowing the resistance away from your body. Breathe out during the up phase of a push up, breathe out when you raise your hand during an arm curl, and breathe out when you pull your hands towards your body during a seated row.

Holding your breath at any time during an exertion can increase blood pressure and intra-abdominal pressure, which is never a good thing. If you are still unsure of whether or not to inhale or exhale, just remember to breathe! 

Frank LaCoco is a personal trainer at Five Seasons Family Sports Club in Burr Ridge. He can be reached at w1ltd@comcast.net or 708-710-9422.