Breathing Techniques For Freediving Enthusiasts: A Guide
As a budding freediver, you might find yourself in the same boat, unable to access the waters or Freedive Centres. However, this doesn't mean you can't work on your technique from the comfort of your home. At Pacific Freedive Academy, we understand the importance of mastering breathing techniques for freediving, and we're here to guide you through it.
Photo by Mitchell Cain
BREATHING TECHNIQUES FOR FREEDIVING:
Freediving isn't just about holding your breath; it's about mastering various breathing techniques to enhance your performance. Here's a breakdown of four essential aspects of freedive breathing:
Warm-Up: Before diving into breath-holding exercises, it's crucial to warm up your breathing muscles. You can do this by practicing focused breathing techniques while lying or sitting comfortably.
BELLY/DIAPHRAGM BREATHING: Focus on expanding your belly as you inhale and contracting it as you exhale, keeping your chest and ribs still.
INTERCOSTAL/RIB BREATHING: Move your breathing action to your lower rib cage, expanding your ribs sideways while keeping your chest and belly still.
CHEST AND SHOULDER BREATHING: Fill your upper chest with air, allowing your chest to expand forward and upwards slightly while keeping your belly and ribs still.
Breathing for Relaxation: Take a few minutes to consciously relax before moving into a breathe-up routine. Slow-exhale breathing helps decrease your heart rate, promoting relaxation and mental calmness.
The final Breath: The perfect breathe-up varies for each individual, focusing on achieving maximum relaxation and optimizing your physical state. Start with natural, relaxed tidal breathing, allowing yourself to breathe as if you were in bed. Then, take a deep, full breath to prepare for breath-holding.
Recovery Breathing: After a breath-hold, it's essential to balance your oxygen and carbon dioxide levels through recovery breathing. This involves fast inhales, breath holds, and passive exhales to restore your body's equilibrium.
Photo by Mitchell Cain
SAFETY FIRST:
While these exercises are beneficial, it's crucial to prioritize safety. Always practice breath-holding with a trained instructor and avoid hyperventilation without proper guidance. If you experience any discomfort or dizziness, stop immediately.
Mastering breathing techniques is essential for every freediver. While these exercises can be practiced at home, remember that they're only a supplement to proper training. Never attempt breath-holding exercises in water without supervision.
At Pacific Freedive Academy, we're dedicated to providing comprehensive training and guidance for aspiring freedivers. Stay tuned for more tips and techniques to enhance your freediving journey.
For more information and resources:
Explore Adam Stern's videos on breathing and freediving techniques.
Learn about Pranayama Yoga and breathing techniques for further insight.
Dive into the world of Breathwork to deepen your understanding of breath control.
Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of freediving and explore the depths of the ocean with confidence and skill.