Pictured: Deep Breaths, Deeper Dives: Freediving Breath Training
Breathing exercises are the cornerstone of freediving whether you are gearing up for your beginner course or your freedive instructor course. Breathing exercises help you develop lung capacity, improve CO2 tolerance, and cultivate a calm, focused mind. But how often should you practice these exercises to see real benefits?
General Recommendations:
Daily Practice: Aim for at least 10-15 minutes of breathwork practice daily. Consistency is key to building the neural pathways that support improved breathing patterns and breath-hold capacity.
Multiple Short Sessions: If you find it challenging to carve out a longer block of time, consider breaking your practice into two or three shorter sessions throughout the day.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds to the exercises. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, stop and rest. It’s better to start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your practice.
Specific Recommendations for the Apnea Assistant Exercises:
Box (Square) Breathing: This versatile exercise can be practiced daily to improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance breath control.
Triangle Breathing is an excellent exercise for expanding lung capacity and improving diaphragmatic breathing. Practice it 2-3 times per week, gradually increasing the duration of each breath.
Equal Breathing: This simple exercise promotes relaxation and balance. Incorporate it into your daily routine, especially before bedtime or during stressful moments.
Relaxing Breath (4-7-8): This calming technique is ideal for reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality. Practice it daily, especially before bedtime or during moments of stress.
Breath Control (4-1-7): This exercise helps you develop control over your breath and build CO2 tolerance. Practice it 2-3 times per week, gradually increasing the duration of the holds.
Additional Tips:
Morning Routine: Incorporate breathwork into your morning routine to set a positive tone for the day and enhance focus and energy.
Pre-Dive Preparation: Practice breathwork before your freediving sessions to optimize your lung capacity and mental state.
Stress Management: Use breathwork throughout the day to manage stress and promote relaxation.
Combine with Other Activities: For enhanced benefits, incorporate breathwork into other activities like yoga, meditation, or walking.
Track Your Progress: Monitor your breath hold times and overall well-being to track your progress and adjust your practice as needed.
Consistency is Key:
Remember, the key to success with breathwork is consistency. Regular practice, even for short durations, can lead to significant improvements in your freediving abilities, mental clarity, and overall well-being.
Listen to Your Body and Enjoy the Dive
As you develop your breathwork, remember to listen to your body and progress at a comfortable pace. Enjoy the process of deepening your connection with your breath and discovering the transformative power it holds for your freediving and overall life.
The Apnea Assistant is hands-down the complete app available, and we genuinely believe it’s also the best freediving app currently available. Download the app today and improve your breathing immediately.
