Question about holding your breath underwater?

Question

I was watching Burn Notice last night and the statement was made that Navy Seals are trained to hold there breath underwater for 3 to 5 minutes. How do you train yourself to do that?

Answer 1

meditation

Answer 2

my best guess would be to try holding your breath for as long as you can. your body will most likely adapt slowly so don't expect anything to happen right away.

Answer 3

This is a practice thing.  Hold your breath as long as you can, making note of the time, especially the first time. You will start to understand the feelings of holding your breath, there is like a burning.  Get past that sensation.  With practice, you also can hold your breath for 5 minutes.

Caution!  Do this while you are not in the water.  It may take some time.  You will also notice that if you are doing anything at all, this will use up your oxygen.

Like I say, it is practice, also meditation enters into the equation.

Answer 4

It takes a very long time for your body to be able hold you breath for this long. Try breathing exercises and holding your breath for as long as you can. Eventually your body will begin to learn how to use the oxygen more efficiently and soon enough you will be able to hold you breath for that long. But don't expect it to happen quickly. It probably takes a a couple months to a year to get that good.