contractions and training

[Irishdiver]

Two questions. Firstly, I get contractions early in dynamic pool training, usually not long after the turn in a 25 m pool. They are pretty comfortable and I can manage them fairly easily for another 1.30 or so. Any tips or tricks out there for making them hold off a bit? Maybe my turn uses too much effort or something.
Second, along with freedive training, cardio and conditioning I also follow a weight lifting program. It's purely a program for strength with low rep ranges and heavy weight. I'm definately not a bodybuilder but I have always lifted weights and don't like the 'weak' feeling when I stop lifting. What i want to know is is it extremely detrimental to my freediving to continue to lift heavy. I have read and understand that oversized muscles burn too much o2 but will it affect me that much?

 

[Grimorkin]

Doing CO2 tables regularly definitely helps me stave off contractions. I manage to do tables every three or so days and I've noticed a definite improvement in the length of time it takes for contractions to start.

As for muscle mass, as long as you don't go completely overboard on the bulk, I think that how much you can relax is far more important and has a much bigger impact.

Personally, I'm doing across-the-board training at the moment; strength, endurance, flexibility, CO2 & lactic tolerance, you name it... Much like you, I prefer the feeling of being generally fit. It does mean that none of those aspects improves radically, but I'm finding the slight improvements in all of them are helping my freediving a LOT. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts, as the saying goes.