How to Hold Your Breath Longer Underwater

Swimming can be more fun, if you know how to breathe well underwater. 
Though, it might seem easy to just hold your breath for a while, there are special methods that can help 
you do it longer and more comfortably. And, the best thing about it, this practice doesn’t take long.

Bright Side loves discovering new techniques for our readers, and this time we can’t wait to present
 you with these pro tips. Breath-taking, for sure!

Predict your potential.

To start with, let’s check your current ability to hold your breath. First, get a timer. Next, you
 need to sit on a chair or lie in your bed. Breathe slowly for 2 minutes, at your normal pace.
 Then take a deep breath
 in and exhale much as you can. Then hold your breath and simultaneously start the timer.

When you can’t manage to hold it anymore — breathe in and let yourself recover.

Check your results:

• If you are able to hold your breath for one minute or less — after the training, you 
• will be able to hold it for about 3 minutes.

• If you are able to hold your breath for at least one minute and 30 seconds — after the training, 
• you will be able to hold it for about 4 minutes.

• If you are able to hold your breath for 2+ min - after the training, you will be able to hold it 
• for about 5 minutes.
  
  So, the more you can now, the more you will be able to hold it in the future

Relaxation is the key.

The most important part of training to increase your breathing skills underwater is relaxation.
 You need to completely relax your mind, your breath, and your muscles. Tensed muscles will 
use up your oxygen and make you hold your breath for a shorter time. You should be calm,
 with no stress or nervousness. Only this will help you to achieve the best results.

Simple steps

The main training is very simple and can be done anywhere, anytime.

• Sit down, relax, and take 3 breaths.

• First, inhale air into 75% of your lungs.

• Then exhale everything you can.

• Inhale again, fill your lungs 100% — as much as you can.

• Hold for as long as possible.

Before going underwater

Before you decide to swim and hold your breath underwater, you need to warm up your lungs.

• Get into a relaxed position.

• Breathe normally for about 2 minutes and then hold it until you feel a bit uncomfortable.

• Then let it go and breathe normally for another 2 minutes.

• Repeat 3 times.

Some helpful tips:

• If you lie still on top of the water, you will be able to hold your breath for much longer than
•  if you start actively swimming.

• The closer you are to the surface, the easier it is to hold your breath. As you go deeper down
•  into the water, you might find it difficult to hold it for a long time.

• Make sure you don’t eat anything 2-3 hours before you plan to hold your breath. Especially
•  if you decide to practice underwater. When your body is digesting, it uses up some of the
•  oxygen that you need.

How often do you go to a swimming pool? Do you enjoy competitive swimming? 
Maybe you have your own tips for swimmers? Let’s share them in the comment section!

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