reply to vincent and bladerunner
to vincent:
i do them both ways, obviously without fins is harder but i have discovered that mixing these exercises gives better results because you train different group muscles. for example when you do them with fins you do a lot of leg workout, instead, when you do them without fins you use a lot of upper torso muscles (arms, deltoids, chest and back) depending on your tecnique.
to blade runner:
pranayama is only the beginning of a series of workouts that can help you get into meditation, yoga, etc. pranayama is the basic, breathing is essential to every activity whether is diving or something else. it helps you relax, get focused and oxigenate your whole body.
puraka means inhalation
khumbaka means retention (holding your breath)
rechaka means exhaling
example:
basic breathing exercise:
1:1:2 means that for every second you inhale, you hold your breath i second and then exhale for two seconds
if i inhale for 10 seconds, then i retain for 10 sec and exhale for 20 seconds (1:1:2)
as you get better you can go 1:2:4 or 1:4:8 even more, the limit is you. the idea is to feel relaxed not to feel anxious or tired, if you do so try not to force yourself. the best way to know you are doing it right is to check your heart beat before and after the breathing session, usually when you´re done, if you are relaxed enough, your heart rate slows down.
tips: you can do them laying down on your back or sitting in the lotto position (legs crossed on your tighs). i recommend sitting position because that way your chest moves freely. try doing the breathing with your eyes closed, it helps you concentrate on the breathing.
Thanks guys for keeping the post alive! i´ve learned a lot of things this past week.