How can I increase my lung capacity?

Question

How can I increase my lung capacity?

Answer 1

By doing 16x25 meters underwater w/ fins

Answer 2

One way to increase your lung capacity is by doing hypoxic sets of swimming. An example of this would be to do the following:

4 X 125

Breathe every 3 strokes on 1st 25

Breathe every 5 strokes on 2nd 25

Breathe every 7 strokes on 3rd 25

Breathe every 9 strokes on 4th 25

Breathe every 3 strokes on 5th 25

You can also do this by simply increasing the strokes in between breaths every cycle. For instance you take a breath after 3 strokes, then 5 more, then 7 more, then 9 more, etc.

When I do hypoxic sets I like to always come back down to a more normal breathing pattern before I stop (every 3 strokes is my normal breathing pattern). This gives my body time to reset and normalize before I do the next round.

This will be difficult at first and it's best to go slowly and extend your limits rather then try to break through them all at once. If you can only hold your breath for every 7 strokes keep doing the set over a period of days until you can work up to 9, 11, or even 13.

Another way to increase lung capacity is by swimming underwater for 25s. Go as far as you can and if you have to breathe come up quickly then go back down and finish the 25 underwater. Don't rest too long on the wall (30 seconds max), you don't want to be completely recovered when you start the next 25.

I also like to mix this up in a set of 75s. It looks something like this:

1st 75 (25 under, 25 over, 25 over)

2nd 75 (25 over, 25 under, 25 over)

3rd 75 (25 over, 25 over, 25 under)



"Over" means swimming regularly and I take about 20 seconds rest in between 75s.

Finally there is swimming "no breathers." This is swimming freestyle for a 25 without breathing. Like an underwater except you're actually swimming a stroke on top of the water.

It will take some time before you notice a real difference in lung capacity, but if you do these things regularly it will happen.