Breathing exercises?

Question

Hi All.

Does anyone know any good breathing exercises to help me breath longer under water? and basically hold my breath longer?

Answer 1

Blowing small bubbles does not prolong the time you can stay under water on a breath.

What you need to practice is something called hyperventilation. This is the process of removing as much co2 from your lungs as possible - as this is the stimulant that causes the brain to make you breathe. The process is simple, inhale fully and exhale fully 3 times. On the third breath hold it in and swim underwater. With practice you should be able to hold your breath for longer and longer.

Be careful not to do the inhale/exhale thing more than 3 times as this can lead to blackouts. The body has too little co2 and the reflex to breath doesn't happen. The brain then shuts the body down (effectively knocks you unconscious) to get your breathing back to normal. Obviously if this happens underwater you stand a good chance of drowning.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Search for diaphragmatic breathing if you want to learn to breathe effectively.  It will also help you to stay calm and so  use up less oxygen. Practice holding your breath slightly longer each time before you breathe out.

http://uk.search.yahoo.com/search?p=diap...

Searching on "free diving" may also help you

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free-diving...

Answer 3

I take a deep breath and then I swim but if you need to take a breath then just blow in the water and bubbles will come out of your mouth but make sure you dont swallow the water like I did!

Answer 4

loads

Answer 5

i can swim one and a half lengths underwater of a 25meter pool without coming up for air what i do it take a deep breath but not hugely deep and let a little out at times as i go, when i feel i need to breathe in i let a little out

Answer 6

when you are underwater blow bubbles out that will help. the more you swim the longer you will be able to hold your breath.  there is one exercise that helps breathing and streamiling. you dive in and keep that position and just hold your breath and kick and see how far you can go.

others are blackouts and u dive in and kick and see how far you can go or you can do a stroke without breathing.

it will get better over time

Answer 7

I have a really easy one that works for me. Before you go under breathe in then out then a big breath in and go under. Then swim along and when you're bursting (I know it sounds stupid but...) let out some of your air! It gives your lungs a break therfore you can hold on for longer!

Try it.

Hope it works and happy breathing!

Answer 8

Take a deep breathe in through your nose hold it for  a few seconds realse with your mouth. Do that over and over and it will get new oxygen into your lungs causing you to hold your breathe longer