Hello,
@conor78
Thank you for this link. Very interesting !
It outlines a very important point in WHM : hyperventilation. I admit it is a good method concerning cold management for instance. However, as a diver and free diver, I strongly advise again doing WHM for free diving or long hold breath because this method is based on hyperventilation:
We can read it perfectly in your article "The practice of taking big breaths is based on the misconception that taking in more air will increase the oxygen levels of the blood. Since arterial blood is already almost fully saturated with oxygen (between 95 percent and 99 percent) during normal, healthy breathing, “big” breathing as in the case of 30 large breaths through the mouth, will bring more oxygen into the lungs, but will not add any more oxygen to the blood".
Basically, an O2 blood saturation which exceeds 99% leads to a loss of red cells ability to deliver O2 to the muscles. Plus, a slighlt dose of CO2 blood permits a correct CO2 transfer from muscles to blood (blood CO2 increases), to be then ejected by breathing.
Hyperventilation virtually makes blood C02 tolerance higher...but does not permit a good CO2 eviction from muscles and tissues. During underwater activities, it implies a bad CO2 eviction from heart and brain. Then, we get a loss of focus and sensation, which can be dangerous, even tragic.
High Altitude Training Simulation (HATS), as described in the article, is much more safer (I practice it when I walk) and leads to a better 02 management. Basically, you learn to do as many moves as the usual, but with less O2. This method helps me a lot in free diving.
IMO, a good "combination" is to use WHM for cold management, and HATS for any other activities.
Kind regards,
Pet'