PROPER BREATH HOLD TECHNIQUE

To max-out your breath hold time, you first need to know the proper technique to get it done.

To help make things simple, we've broken things down into three simple steps:

STEP 1: PREPARATION

To get yourself prepared we're going to focus on three main things.

They are:

Relaxation of the muscles.
Relaxation of the mind.
Relaxation of the breath

If you haven't noticed already, relaxation is kind of a big deal - and forms the basis for step 1.

RELAXING THE MUSCLES

Do a quick body scan and go make sure all muscles are inactive and relaxed.

Any muscles that are tense will use excessive oxygen.

RELAXING THE MIND

Your mind must be calm, otherwise your breath hold times will not be what they could.

A few quick ways to relax the mind:

- Focus on sound: Tune into the sounds around you, listen to them closely and your mind will begin to slow down.

- Focus on feel: Focus your attention on your skin, the air that moves the hairs on your arms, the cooling of the nostrils as you breath, etc. Focusing on feel will take your mind away from distracting thoughts and help you to feel calm.

RELAXATION OF BREATH

Your breathing must be relaxed, gentle, and not forced.

Not deep, not fast, just normal.

Doing this we are bringing the heartbeat to a resting rate, and avoiding hyperventilation too.

STEP 2: THE FINAL BREATHS

Now that we know a little about how to clear the lungs of old CO2, and fill it to the brim with fresh O2, here's the technique we want you to use when going in for a new breath hold time.

The technique consists of three breaths:

BREATH 1: 75% inhale

BREATH 2: 100% exhale

BREATH 3: 100% inhale (max capacity)

Done all three?

Now it's time to HOLD.

STEP 3: FORM & TECHNIQUE

Ok, step 1 was relaxation.

Step 2 was packing stripping the lungs of CO2 and packing with fresh O2.

Now it's time for a little form and technique.

Follow the points below:

Stop air escaping the glottis (the little valve protecting the airways at the back of your throat).
Stop air escaping at the lips.
In fact, never release any air until you intend to breath again - any exhales include O2, so don't waste it.

THE WRAP UP

There you go.

First relax, then pack the lungs properly, then don't let any air escape.

All, whilst staying as chill and calm as you can throughout.

The next time you go to set a breath hold time be sure to go through this three step process.

As with everything the more you practice the better you become, so spend a little time internalising this process and getting familiar with it.

PROPER BREATH HOLD TECHNIQUE

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GETTING STARTED

GETTING PRACTICAL

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21 DAY BREATH HOLD SPRINT