How often is too often to max?

[paulr]

How often is too often to attempt a max breath hold, not in water or anything, just sitting there with a stopwatch. I am young and dumb and I want to do it every day.

 

[Rik]

Dear Paul,

Static (dry) breath-holding can be exciting because you can increase your breath-holds in a relative short time period. Therefore a lot of people start doing a lot in their first months when they discover the sport.

There is however a downside to doing a lot of near maximum breath-holds in a short time. Each time you are pushing the envelope, you are using a lot of will power to improve yourself. This can become tiresome. Not physical but psychological. Some freedivers even have developed a static apnea burnout.

Try to use your time and motivation to improve your breath-up technique and not your time. Trust me, it is much more fun if you can do a short breath-hold without any difficulties compared with a long breath-hold that leaves you exhausted for the rest of the day.

 

[Kars]

It also helps when your goal is not merely a great time, but for instance doing it with great comfort and ease. Or your exploring your bodies reaction, and try to relax and meditate through it.

Oh and when in water, please have a competent spotter dedicated to your safety.

Love, Courage and water,

Kars

 

[paulr]

Thank you very much guys. I have been doing a lot of reading about it, I want to do stuff the right way. I got to a time that I was very impressed with for myself, but I didnt push myself to excruciating pain. I have practiced yoga for years and I found that yoga meditations have helped me calm my body down and get a good time without actually being in pain.

Im really glad I found this forum, you guys are great!