When should a client exhale during performance of a bench press?

Exhaling only after the movement ends promotes the Valsalva maneuver throughout the lift, which dangerously elevates blood pressure and is contraindicated for most clients.

Exhaling immediately before the movement begins would leave the client without air during the most demanding phase of the lift, reducing stability and performance.

The eccentric phase is the lowering phase of the bench press; the client should inhale during this phase, not exhale.

Exhalation should occur during the concentric phase (the exertion or lifting phase of the bench press), which is when the muscles shorten and the greatest intra-abdominal pressure is generated. Exhaling during this phase prevents dangerous Valsalva-induced blood pressure spikes while still providing core stability during the effort.