Valsalva

[captainpicard]

In Starting Strength and also in a couple threads on here you have discussed that the Valsalva is safe and should be used to prevent injuries while lifting heavy weights. It had also been shown that power production increases as much as 20% due to the intrathoracic, etc. pressure being applied.

I have seen a few places where people do not bring up passing out or having a cerebrovascular accident in regard to the Valsalva, but rather say that using it makes you more likely to have a hernia. If the Valsalva increases thoracic pressure so much, this seems like a possibly legitimate argument. Thoughts?

[Mark Rippetoe]

Lots of predisposed people are going to get a hernia. I did. But this was going to happen anyway, since I am predisposed. It is not a matter of producing a hernia, it is a preference for not hurting your back.