O2 CO2 tables - how do you work with them

[Andrew the fish]

hello people. Just started working with tables and got some questions. Firstly, how often can I go through tables? Is it daily thing or twice a day. I've done CO2 today, it has been a few hours already and feel like I can go through O2 table. Also, I don't really know my limits yet - what would be a good staring point, how to choose the regiment. I did O2 table once and it was brutal at the beginning, I was getting contractions early an had to "pull through" at first, but then, at the end of a table I didn't want to stop. I think table was saying something like 3:30 but held my breath to 4:00 minutes something. It is normal? Or maybe I should modify tables and make them more progressive? I can see you folks suggesting to pick another table, but how will I manage the fist few holds?

Another question - how hard should I work through those tables, should it be like surviving contracions and nearly blacking out or should I make it easier? I mean, what brings best results? I know from weightlifting, one doesn't always benefit from lifting his max weights, in fact often it is quite opposite. What works best with apnea training?

Sorry for such long post and thanks for all suggestions.

 

[Andrew the fish]

another qustion - could those tables be used in dynamic training as well? Say, 25m with diminishing rests for CO2 or increasing distance with same amount of ventilation? I guess I should have trie before asking here.

 

[rogam44]

another qustion - could those tables be used in dynamic training as well? Say, 25m with diminishing rests for CO2 or increasing distance with same amount of ventilation? I guess I should have trie before asking here.

I use only dynamic CO2 tables, better say pyramids. I usually swim 4 lanes then I decrease ventilation time for 10 seconds and another 4 lanes. When I start to have urge to breath right after the immersion, then I started to add 10 seconds to ventilation time. It could be like this:
4x50m - 1:10 ventilation
4x50m - 1:00 ventilation
4x50m - 0:50 ventilation
4x50m - 0:40 ventilation
4x50m - 0:50 ventilation
4x50m - 1:00 ventilation
4x50m - 1:10 ventilation

If it feels hard, you can start with longer ventilation time. If it is easy you can start with shorter one. First one or two sets should feel easy, it's not good to strain yourself right from the beginning.
I've experimented with increasing distance, but it doesn't feel good. It feels better to swim a few (4-6) longer distances e.g. 100m, than to increase distances between swims.

For static CO2 tables try holds with only one breath between. E.g. you hold your breath for 1 minute, exhale, inhale another 1 minute hold. Repeat 10 times. If it feels easy add 10s next time. Always complete whole set. One set is enough. It's hard to cheat and hyperventilate with this exercise and it is also very quick.

Instead of doing O2 tables try to search this site for IHT (interval hypoxic training). Eric Fattah describes it somewhere how he do it. It is O2 training without pain.

 

[Andrew the fish]

One set is enough. It's hard to cheat and hyperventilate with this exercise and it is also very quick.

thanx for tip with on IHT. Not sure if quick exercise would be enough of a training, what you are saying is one breath in between and 1 minute hold will make 10 minute exercise.

 

[trux]

We usually combine several different exercises during the static training, which is either one or two hours long. You can find some of these training sessions in the database of Apnea Training Manager. It is usually mix of relaxation, hypercapnie, hypoxie, and technique, combined also with with some pseudo-dymamics (kicking statically). 10 minutes would be indeed little as training, but the exercise alone is good and intense hypercapnic drill.

 

[Andrew the fish]

trux, this apnea.cz has some kind of entry exam - you guys can have it all to yourselves.

 

[rogam44]

thanx for tip with on IHT. Not sure if quick exercise would be enough of a training, what you are saying is one breath in between and 1 minute hold will make 10 minute exercise.

I wasn't enough masochist to repeat this exercise several times, but you can try it. To my mind CO2 tables should teach you how to deal with the contractions. It is a mind thing not physical. See David Mullins, according to his description, he started to have contractions somewhere around 60 meters, but he manage to swim another 150m, during his epic records.
Now days I don't practice any dry CO2 tables, but my dives are much more comfortable than before.

 

[trux]

trux, this apnea.cz has some kind of entry exam - you guys can have it all to yourselves.

Yes, sorry for that, but it is necessary to avoid that kids or newbie freedivers without experience, and sufficient theory knowledge, or safety awareness harm themselves when using the software. Still, there are over 2,300 registered users, which proves that the test is not too hard.

It is in the sake of your own safety to know answers on the questions of the test, so even if you do not care about the access to the program, and to the exercise database, I strongly advise you to look at the theory of freediving physiology a bit closer.

The entry filter has also the advantage that the members are guaranteed to be experienced freedivers, so that the forum won't be spammed by unrelated commercial posts like it is the case on other forums.

 

[Don Paul]

I need to study more, I failed 33/36 I need to spend more time on DB and less in the sea.

But really the test is a very smart idea, I'll try again in a few days but will have my coffee first......can I say coffee here ?:naughty

Cheers, Don