Second Wind normal inhale?

[Erik W]

Hi all,

I've been practicing the hypoxic breath holds, and a question has occurred to me. What is a "normal" inhale before the passive exhale preceding the hold? Is it exactly like the dozen, or more, before it? I usually take one, larger inhale before exhaling passively prior to my breath hold. It's not a huge gulp of air; it's more like a gentle sigh. Is that within parameters? Does that one, deeper inhale constitute hyperventilation?

Thanks,

Erik

 

[Steve Freides]

That’s a good question. In my opinion, both approaches are valid and one should experiment to see what works best for you. I sometimes do both: take a relaxed biggish breath, exhale, then take a shorter breath followed by a shorter exhale, and then begin my breath hold.

-S-