<p>That is true of most exercises. Exhaling on the most intense part of the motion will generally be the best way to go. There are times where momentarily holding your breath will help, but they are limited. A slow, forceful exhale will help keep your core tight through the motion, and will cause less strain. I have trouble doing this for bench, but am finally starting to improve (and my reps are going up considerably when I breath correctly).</p>
<p>Congratulations on the first one. Building further should come easier now. The fist one is the toughest. After you get to 3 or 4, increasing should become even easier…as long as you consistently practice.</p>