Basic CO2/O2 table question

[steff]

Hi all,
I've just started delving into the world of freediving, and was wondering why it is suggested to only do one O2/CO2 table a day. Is it a hypoxia issue, or is it simply a training issue? I guess what I mean is that; is there a physiological reason that one table a day maximum is suggested? (This is more out of academic interest than me actually wanting to train.)

thanks
steff

 

[trux]

Personally, I do not think there is any reason for limiting the training to only one table. As I explained in the thread http://forums.deeperblue.net/safety/70237-why-did-i-black-out.html?highlight=tables#post632866, in our club, as well as in others I know, a standard static training session is an hour long (sometimes followed by another hour of dynamic training), and it consists of several exercises, and often both O2 and CO2 tables. I see no physiological reason for avoiding combining the tables, as long as security is maintained.

 

[Flojt]

Remeber to not set the tables to long, only 50% -80% of your PB is recomended for these tables.

Risk of LMC/LOC increases as you do them to hard and to long.

Enjoy them and good luck with 'em.

 

[hteas]

My thought is that if you are pushing yourself hard enough, one set is all you will be able to do. I use negatives for a half hour , hten a static. By the end of hte half hour I can see my times falling off if I really push. Enough for me.
Howard

 

[halaokolele]

First post: I've been practicing these tables and started recently burping a ton... I rarely burped at all but now I feel in my chest like i need to burp all the time. Is this normal?
I also find myself swallowing when I'm holding my breath...Is this normal?

I think these tables are awesome..I was also able to read a post on breathing I increased from almost 1min to 2:30 with some room to spare. This is in 2 days. I do want to know if I'm doing it correct and if the above mentioned sensations are normal.

Thanks,

 

[hteas]

I don't know about anyone else, but I've never had that problem. I'm more familiar with problems at the other end, especiall if I've recently eaten. The answer to that is to wait at least 4 hours after eating before doing serious breathwork ; )
As a guess, I'd say that you are leaving your epiglottus partly open during the breathhold, allowing air to enter your stomach. Your epiglottus is the little "valve" in your throat that allows liquids to head for your stomach, and air to head for your lungs. During breathholds I normally keep in the position to lock the air in my lungs.
No guess on the swallowing, unless it's directly related to having the epiglottus partly open.
Try relaxing more during your breathholds; muscle tension in your throat may be causing it, and is a common problem for beginners (as well as advanced divers sometimes). A major part of the training with tables, or any other breathhold practice, is relaxation, both mental and physical. If you aren't focusing on the relaxation you'll be missing the greatest training gains.
Howard

 

[halaokolele]

Appreciate the response Howard, I'll work on keeping relaxed when working with these tables.

I'll continue to do them through this week and than see what I can do as a max breath hold.

 

[hteas]

When you try for your PB, don't start with one of the tables. You should be tired enough by the table that your final time will be artificially low.
Start with a series of fairly gentle breathholds (full or empty) for 20 to 25 minutes, then take 4 minutes quietly to breathe up for the final effort.
The details need to be worked out by you. Some divers use 1 or 2 warm-ups and then go for all they can. Others, like me, warm up slowly to get our best times.
Howard

 

[naiad]

My thought is that if you are pushing yourself hard enough, one set is all you will be able to do.

That is what I find. I often push myself really hard with the tables or dry statics, and if I did two tables on the same day, or a hard table and max statics, it would be too much.

Lucia

 

[shoutatthesky]

I think the swallowing is a natural reflex. It help minimise the discomfort of a breathhold.
As for burping it may be that you are swallowing air which could indicate weakness in the muscles used during apnea. Pellizzari's book has some good exercises for strengthening these.

 

[Gahiel]

I would definatly have to agree with shoutatthesky, the 'swallowing' is just a natural reflex. I have gotten out of the habit of doing it, and I think that it might help you as well if you stop. If you are swallowing, you may be swallowing up your presious 02 in your lungs and putting it into your stomach. Perhaps this is the cause of all of those burps

 

[halaokolele]

Awesome, I really focused on not swalloing and kept doing the tables. I'm proud to say that I no longer burp all the time or have the "funny" feeling in my chest.
The tables are getting a lot easier as my BH gets better, I can really feel myself not swallowing without being worried about it. The "just relax" advice worked wonders. I think the more i thought about swalloing the more I would swallow.

Thanks for all the advice!