Resting periods?

[Chimo]

Hey,
I’m very new to the freediving thing and am very enthusiastic about the whole concept. I’m eager to improve on all the techniqual aspects, especially with increasing my breath-hold times. Been doing some searching and discovered the tables and the apnea walk (do not have much time in the water with a partner so am focusing on the “dry” stuff at the moment.)
2 questions..
1. I’ve read in some posts that you can only do 5 effective holds and after the fifth performance starts to decline. Is this so..? If so why are most tables I seem to find having 8 holds?

2. Also, there are almost no mention anywhere as to how many days or hours a week someone should do these exercises. In any other training I’ve done it’s always been important with resting periods and there have been million different recommendations for different variations.
I’ve heard somewhere that one should not do the A table and the B table at the same day. This is the only information I’ve found. And how is Apnea walks affecting the static tables? Can they be done in the same day? How long should resting periods between these exercises be? It’s especially tricky, since you don’t really get “sore” lungs.
Please help an aspiring newbie out of confusion and into the light!

[DiverTodd]

It's important to not attempt to do too much in one day. Instead, try to focus on one apnea exercise a day, that's what I do. I do my static apnea tables on Mon, Weds, and Fri, so I have a day of "rest" between them. I do CO2 tables on Mon and Weds, and the O2 table on Fri. I've just started apnea walking, and I've also been doing apnea snorkeling, these I'll only do once a week each, usually on either Sun, Tues, or Thurs. This is also on TOP of swimming 3x a week and using my new elliptical machine on the off days! I got it to use instead of jogging (which I hate), since cardio work is important for better apnea, too!

Todd

[Chimo]

Thanx for the quick response!
I see what you're saying but want to know the underlying reasons for resting, and how to "know when to stop". Sounds like you have a pretty intense workout though!
Just noticed there is a "training forum". Will try asking there as well.

[DiverTodd]

The reason for resting between static apnea tables is the same for working any muscle group; the lungs need time to recover! My workout is pretty intense, but I hate going even a single day feeling like I haven't done SOMETHING that's freediving related. On tap for today; elliptical machine, maybe a few maximum hold attempts in the afternoon (sitting upright in a chair), and then dynamic and static in a pool this evening, if I can find a spotter.

Todd