Free Diving Breathing Exercises

Free diving allows you to experience the underwater world of oceans and lakes by virtue of holding your breath. Though you won't use oxygen tanks, you will need a mask, snorkel, long bladed fins and a wetsuit or skinsuit, depending on the location of your dive. You will also need to perform breathing exercises so you can hold your breath for prolonged periods of time.

  1. Expanding

    • You can stretch and utilize the lower portions of your lungs---allowing you to hold your breath longer---by exercising your lungs. To begin, inhale as much air as you can so your lower chest and stomach feel so full of air, they might burst. Continue to inhale until your upper chest feels the same way. You want to breathe the highest amount of air possible. Now, exhale emptying your lungs completely until you feel as if you cannot possibly dispel any more air. This exercise also helps rid your body of carbon dioxide which is important to free diving. When you hold your breath for a long time, your body will involuntarily gulp for air. The buildup of carbon dioxide in your body causes this reflex.

    Functioning

    • When you're free diving you will be swimming and moving---not standing still and holding your breath---so it is also important to be able to function while holding your breath. To help you do this, you can take a series of deep breaths then stop breathing for one complete minute. When that minute is up, do not take a breath. Instead start to walk, holding your breath for as long as possible. This allows you to gage your ability to function while not breathing and increase that ability. Over time you will be able to walk further and further without taking a breath. You can also practice this exercise in the water.

    Pattern

    • A healthy pattern of breathing will also benefit your free diving experiences by expanding your lungs. Sit with your spine straight, either in a chair or cross legged on the floor, and place your hands on your thighs, palms facing upwards. Keep your elbows at your sides. Breathe in through your nose taking long, slow, deep breaths. Once you have established a pattern of breathing, begin to inhale a little extra air each time. Keep inhaling a little bit more with each breath until your lungs reach their capacity. Hold the breath for as long as you can. Exhale, emptying your lungs completely by using your diaphragm to push out all the air. Perform this exercise 3 to 10 times.