[jome]

Contractions are highly individual and not all people even get them. So it is not correct to assume you're not pushing.

Packing is can take quite a while to learn effeciently. I see a lot of really good freedivers pack in a way that to me seems somehow too hard. A lot of beginners take more time packing that they actually benefit from it. And yes, packing alot makes you feel uncomfortable.

However, this can all be overcome with training. The first times I packed I took maybe 3-4 and already felt I was going to explode. Nowadays, I can pack around 30 and it makes a huge difference, especially in static. You can learn to relax even with the extra pressure, but this takes time and training. You simply must re-learn that phase of your performance. I pack to my max in about 10-15 seconds, so once you master the technique, it really is not much of an effort. I never measured my own volumes, but some divers can pack up to 4 litres and 2-3 litres is not uncommon. So the difference in air volume is considerable.

However, you must understand that learing to put in 30 packs in stead of 3 will take time and practice. Only pack 1-2 max over your "comfort limit" at a time. Gradually it will increase, but if you proceed too fast, you will just injure your self.

Lately I've become more and more concerned with the health effects of packing. To me, it seems that even if I'm able to permanenlty increase my lung volume with this excercise, that can't be really healthy. What will my lungs look like in 20 or 30 years? Just huge sacks with no flexibility? So be careful there. I believe that packing a moderate amount can only do you good, but don't get carried away with "extreme packing". There are other and better ways to improve.

I would actually like to very much hear if someone has any insight in the long term effects of packing in ones health... (talking decades, not years).