Training for dry statics and preparation for max static

[bura]

I am beginner and I train statics for about a month. I am doing only CO2 tables approx. every two days. I tried max hold and it is 3:10, contractions started at 1:30 and I have counted 50 contractions till 3:10. Near the end contractions hit me every second or even faster. Before max static I have done CO2 table (1:45 static, first rest 1:45, last two rests 0:15, 8 holds) and then 5:00 min rest (only deep breathing, ratio inhale:hold:exhale – 1:0:2). After that I made 3:10.
Can you please advise me how to prepare for max hold, and how to train to improve static?

Thank you in advance.

 

[bura]

I did one training today. I hold just until first contraction and record times. I had hart rate monitor so I also record my heart rate in time when first contraction hit me. I did 7 holds. Between each hold I did rest for 3 minutes. Here is what I record:

First contracttion: -----Heart rate:
1. 01:17' -------------- 90
2. 01:32' -------------- 90
3. 01:44' -------------- 98
4. 01:41' -------------- 85
5. 01:59' -------------- 87
6. 02:08' -------------- 95
7. 01:53' -------------- 92

I think my heart rates are way to high.:waterwork In time when I take last breath to start holding my hearth rate jumps from 75-80 to 110-115. I didn't write that this static training I did after work and before lunch. And also I am smoker. I smoke 20 cigarettes per day what also I guess speeds my heartbeats.

I want to know what expirienced divers think about this and do you have advice how to slow down my hearth rate. Thank you in advance.

P.S. Except to stop smoking. :head

 

[growingupninja]

It definitely varies but you may not experience lowered HR until some time after contractions have started--when contractions first start many people experience a rise in HR (this is the struggle phase). Dive response may not kick in until some time after contractions have started, especially if you are relatively untrained and doing a hold without facial immersion, and if you are untrained you may also be aborting your hold before DR kicks in.

And no, smoking isn't helping you to become a better freediver.

 

[bura]

Thank you growingupninja. I didn't know that dive response comes in when contractions are already started. My times when first contraction hits are low. Aren't they? I thought that is because my HR is high during first phase.
When contractions start they hit me every 2 seconds, but at the end of the holding they hit me every second or faster. Last time when I was try to do PB I have counted 50 contractions. My phase without contractions last almost like second phase with contractions (first contraction 1:30, hold 3:10). Is that normal?

 

[Azrael3000]

According to my limited experience as a beginner myself, I can say that the same happens to me. With some relaxation however, I am now at 1:50 without contractions.

 

[bura]

Azrael3000 thank you for answer. What is your max hold? How long can you withstand contractions and how many of them?

I'd like to hear what is the usually ratio between phases without contraction and with contraction.

P.S. I understand that it is from person to person, but generaly speaking approximate ratio between this two phases.

 

[growingupninja]

Re: contractions.

The time when they start varies a lot among individuals with some trained divers experiencing them relatively early, some late, some not at all. While perhaps never a comfortable feeling with training they are less bothersome. In myself they come early but I don't mind since they indicate DR is starting.

 

[bura]

Re: contractions.

The time when they start varies a lot among individuals with some trained divers experiencing them relatively early, some late, some not at all. While perhaps never a comfortable feeling with training they are less bothersome. In myself they come early but I don't mind since they indicate DR is starting.

I've tried today what you said about DR. My HR was 112 until first contraction hit me. After only 3 contractions my HR was dropped to 85-87 in one second.

I have not worked on CO2 tables just one week, and today I realy suffer during contractions. When I am doing CO2 tables every second day, I really can tolerate contractions better.

P.S. Eraly like 2:00 or 3:00 min or later? How long you tolerate them?

 

[growingupninja]

I've tried today what you said about DR. My HR was 112 until first contraction hit me. After only 3 contractions my HR was dropped to 85-87 in one second.

I have not worked on CO2 tables just one week, and today I realy suffer during contractions. When I am doing CO2 tables every second day, I really can tolerate contractions better.

P.S. Eraly like 2:00 or 3:00 min or later? How long you tolerate them?

I rarely do statics so I can't say exactly when they start, but dry I would guess between 1:45 and 3:00. They don't really bother me until later when they become very strong, and in the water when swimming/fishing, I will barely notice them unless I am really pushing it. In general they are easier for me to tolerate when I am swimming or in the water; facial immersion makes a very, very big difference for me.

 

[Azrael3000]

Well bura, keep in mind that all I'm talking about is dry statics, I will start my wet career next month hopefully. My max has been something around 4:15, with contractions starting at something like 1:30 and 50 of them (similar to you). Nowadays I rather prefer to do some apnea walking. And the way that I usually take has definitely increased, not only in length but for me more importantly in comfort.

For me if I want to experience DR then I do a half / empty lung hold, and DR will kick in very fast even on land, of course combined with contractions. My plan is to take a course soonish and do some Yoga to increase flexibility of the relevant body parts, as according to some threads to be found here, that will lower the physiological / psychological impact of contractions. So again increase in comfort and that's all I'm really looking for. Of course if my time under water increases that way, I won't be disappointed either

 

[bura]

I am spearfishing more then a few years. I never did some extra deep dives. I usually also have contractions under water but they are "piano wire" comapred to dry ones. For me there is always problem in my head when dive how many contractions I can have and am I near to edge. I have never count 20 contractions under water because when they start I am going up. I also have Aida F** course. I have learned so much about freediving there and I have realize that I was doing so many things wrong in the past. There I am also informed how risky "few more" contractions can be. After F2 I have more knowledge but I am also much more careful when diving.