Hey guys!
Half a year ago, my buddy and I wanted to find out how big (or small) our lungs were.
So I took a condom (unused, he he), blew it up without packing, and pressed it underwater into a cylindric vessel we normally use for cleaning up the floor. We measured the difference in the height of the water and calculated a vital capacity of 6.9 litres.
Next week I went to the doctor and said I want to make a lung test. They asked if I was ill, "No!" They asked if I had asthma or something else "No! I just want to make a routine check, see if my lungs are ok." If I had told them about the freediving, I probably would have to pay - no way!!!
So we made the test: 7.1 litres vital, 10.4 litres total, height 1.86m, weight 80kg - the doc was quite amazed: I exhaled 6.4l per second, and all values were beyond 100%, reaching from 107 to 210%. So I left with a bright smile on my face - and went for some diving.
So all in all the condom idea isn`t bad at all for a quick test.
BTW, we have a freediver in Germany they call "The 14l man".
His real name is Hubert Maier- he was best in static at the 2001 championships.
I wonder if he has 14litres vital or total? Vital would be extreme!