5 Ways to Increase Lung Capacity for Deeper Freedives
January 23, 2025
For freedivers, having strong lungs can significantly affect their ability to stay underwater longer, manage oxygen more efficiently, and avoid dive-related risks like shallow water blackout. While genetics and fitness level play a role, it is possible to increase lung capacity with targeted exercises and training.
Lung capacity, also known as vital capacity, refers to the maximum amount of air your lungs can hold after a deep inhalation. A larger lung capacity allows you to take in more oxygen, giving you the ability to extend your time underwater and dive deeper safely.
Improving lung capacity can also enhance your body’s ability to cope with high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), reducing discomfort and delaying the urge to breathe. In this article, we will explore five effective ways to increase your lung capacity for deeper freedives.
Top 5 Ways to Increase Lung Capacity
1.Diaphragmatic Breathing
Diaphragmatic breathing, also called belly breathing, is one of the most fundamental ways to increase lung capacity. This technique engages the diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle beneath your lungs, to help you take in more air with each breath.
Most people tend to breathe shallowly using only the upper part of their lungs, but diaphragmatic breathing encourages the use of the entire lung capacity, maximizing oxygen intake.
Step-by-Step Guide to Diaphragmatic Breathing:
- Find a comfortable position: Sit or lie down with one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen.
- Inhale deeply: Breathe in through your nose, allowing your abdomen to rise as your diaphragm contracts. Your chest should remain relatively still.
- Exhale slowly: Breathe out through your mouth or nose, allowing your abdomen to fall. Again, focus on keeping your chest still.
- Repeat: Practice this breathing technique for 5-10 minutes daily to train your diaphragm and improve lung efficiency.
By regularly practicing diaphragmatic breathing, you can increase your lung capacity and make your breaths deeper and more efficient during dives.
2.Cardiovascular Exercise
Cardiovascular exercises, such as swimming, jogging, and cycling, are excellent for increasing lung capacity and overall stamina. These activities force your lungs and heart to work harder to deliver oxygen to your muscles, strengthening your respiratory system over time.
Cardio also helps increase your oxygen tolerance, which is essential for managing longer, deeper freedives. Swimming is particularly effective as it also helps you get used to water movements. Jogging and cycling are great for building endurance and lung strength, essential for challenging dives.
3.Stretching and Flexibility
Stretching, particularly chest and upper body stretches, helps increase lung capacity by improving the flexibility of the muscles and tissues surrounding your rib cage and diaphragm.
A more flexible rib cage allows your lungs to expand fully, enabling you to take in more air. Stretching can also prevent tightness or discomfort during long breath holds, making it easier to manage oxygen efficiently.
Step-by-Step Guide to Stretching for Freedivers:
- Intercostal stretches: Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart. Reach one arm over your head and bend to the opposite side, stretching the muscles between your ribs (intercostal muscles). Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch sides.
- Chest stretch: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and clasp your hands behind your back. Straighten your arms and lift your chest upwards, feeling the stretch across your chest and shoulders. Hold for 20-30 seconds.
- Diaphragm stretch: Sit in a comfortable position and take a deep breath in. Hold your breath and push your belly out as far as possible, feeling the stretch in your diaphragm. Hold for 5-10 seconds, then release.
By incorporating stretching and flexibility exercises into your routine, you can gradually increase lung capacity and improve your body’s ability to handle deeper, longer dives.
4.Apnea Walks
Apnea walks are a specialized training technique used by freedivers to simulate the effects of holding your breath while moving. This exercise helps increase lung capacity, builds tolerance to high carbon dioxide levels, and improves mental endurance under breath-hold stress.
Apnea walks train your body to use oxygen more efficiently while managing the urge to breathe.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apnea Walks
- Find a Buddy: Do not attempt apnea walks alone.
- Prepare: Stand in an open, safe space where you can walk without obstacles. Prepare yourself with relaxed belly breaths.
- Inhale deeply: Take a full, deep breath, filling your lungs to their maximum capacity.
- Walk: Begin walking at a steady pace while holding your breath. Focus on keeping your body relaxed.
- Release and repeat: When you can no longer hold your breath, exhale and take a few recovery breaths before repeating the exercise.
- Increase: Gradually increase the distance as your comfort with breath-holds improves.
Practicing apnea walks several times a week will help you increase lung capacity, improve carbon dioxide tolerance, and enhance your overall freediving performance.
5.Practice with CO2 Tables
Carbon dioxide tables are structured breath-hold exercises designed to help you build a tolerance to high carbon dioxide levels, which is a key factor in increasing lung capacity. Carbon dioxide tables are an excellent way to train your body for high carbon dioxide levels, making it easier to stay calm and focused during extended dives.
By practicing with carbon dioxide tables, you gradually reduce the rest periods between breath holds, forcing your body to adapt to elevated carbon dioxide levels and increasing your comfort during long breath holds underwater.
Carbon dioxide tables and specific breath-hold training can give you the best results with the supervision of a freediving instructor. Consider reaching out to your nearest dive center and ask for their availability to make the best start.
Increasing lung capacity is essential if you want to dive deeper and stay underwater longer while minimizing risks. Techniques like those above are highly effective ways to increase lung capacity.
By incorporating these strategies into your training, you will improve your body’s oxygen management, reduce the risk of shallow water blackout, and enhance your overall freediving experience.
Want to become a stronger, safer, and more confident freediver?