#113 Gert Leroy - Breath Hold Expert: CO2 Secrets Free Divers Know That You Don't (yet)
Feb 21, 2025
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Gert Leroy, a breath-hold expert and former software programmer, shares his incredible journey into free diving, which he embraced at age 40. He discusses the transformative power of breath control and its impact on stress management and emotional resilience. Gert debunks myths surrounding breath-holding while explaining key techniques like visualization and tidal breathing. He also delves into the mammalian diving reflex and CO2 management, revealing how these concepts enhance performance and well-being in both diving and daily life.
Freediving serves as a transformative experience, promoting personal change through the integration of physical and mental disciplines after a career shift.
Effective breath control techniques, such as visualization and mantras, enhance emotional resilience and help manage stress in everyday life.
Understanding the mammalian diving reflex informs freedivers about their body's capabilities, facilitating improved performance and longer breath holds through adaptive responses.
Deep dives
The Transformation through Freediving
Engaging in freediving often provides a transformative experience for individuals, acting as a catalyst for personal change. For someone who transitioned into freediving in their 40s, it marked a significant shift from a career in software programming and social media to a new purpose in life. The act of holding one’s breath underwater creates a unique sense of detachment from surface-level stressors, leading to a deeper self-awareness and clarity about life goals. This transition reconnects individuals with their childhood love for swimming but elevates it to a profound practice that integrates both physical and mental aspects.
Impact on Stress and Reaction to Life
Freediving instills a greater understanding of managing stress and emotional reactions, teaching practitioners how to deal with discomfort. As individuals extend their breath holds, they confront the challenge of increasing carbon dioxide levels, which simulates discomfort similar to life’s pressures. Learning to remain calm during these moments fosters resilience, allowing individuals to respond to life’s stresses with more composure and focus. This ability to embrace discomfort in a controlled environment translates to improved emotional regulation in everyday situations.
Mindfulness Techniques for Breath Holding
Preparation for a successful breath hold involves mindfulness techniques such as relaxation, visualization, and mantras, which are pivotal in maintaining focus and calm during practice. Visualization serves to distract the mind from discomfort, guiding it towards pleasant memories or calming thoughts, reminiscent of cherished childhood experiences. As breath holds progress into the contraction phase, where discomfort intensifies, mantras provide simple affirmations to maintain motivation and mental clarity. These techniques not only enhance breath-holding capacity but also build mental fortitude that can be applied to daily challenges.
Understanding the Physiological Responses
Freediving triggers specific physiological responses that enhance performance and understanding of the body’s capabilities. The mammalian diving reflex comes into play, which includes reactions like bradycardia and spleen contraction, conserving oxygen during breath holds. This reflex showcases how the body naturally adapts to underwater challenges, allowing extended breath holds as individuals learn to manage CO2 and oxygen levels effectively. Understanding these bodily responses not only aids in improved performance but enriches the overall experience of freediving.
Practical Insights for New Freedivers
For beginners considering freediving or breath hold training, fundamental skills and techniques are essential for safety and progression. It's emphasized that practicing proper breathing patterns can mitigate stress and enhance comfort with higher carbon dioxide levels. Engaging in structured training, such as learning about tidal breathing, allows individuals to develop a sustainable practice that leads to longer breath holds and better self-regulation. The practice becomes not just a sport but a holistic approach to improving overall mindfulness and stress management skills.
Today's guest is Gert Leroy, who switched from software programming to professional free diving at 40. Through his platform Underwater Squad, he teaches breath work and diving techniques. We discuss breath control, stress management, visualization methods, and debunk common myths about breath holding.
Chapters: 00:00 From Software Engineer to Free Diving 03:11 Finding Purpose Through Free Diving 05:32 Breaking Through the Age Barrier 09:17 The Science of Ear Equalization 14:21 Pre-Dive Preparation and Relaxation 19:27 The Art of Doing Nothing 24:53 Understanding Tidal Breathing 31:19 Visualization Techniques for Breath Holds 35:07 Mantras During Contractions Phase 41:08 The Mammalian Diving Reflex Explained 44:18 World Records and Hollywood Myths 57:33 Final Wisdom: Breathe Less, Not More
Greetings! I'm Mike Maher, your guide on this breathwork journey and the host of this YouTube channel. As a new father to a beautiful baby boy, I left my corporate career behind to pursue my passion - helping people harness the transformative power of breathwork. I firmly believe in the life-changing potential of the breath, and it's my mission to help the world breathe better.
Safety Information: Do not practice this breathwork during pregnancy, or if you are epileptic. People with cardiovascular issues, or any other serious health conditions, should always consult a medical professional before starting breathwork. These breathing exercises are a guide only, you should always listen to your own body and not push yourself, if you feel unwell STOP. Never practice breathing exercises before or during diving, driving, swimming, taking a bath, or in any other circumstance where the loss of consciousness could result in bodily harm. Deep breathing may cause tingling sensations, a ringing in the ears, and/or light-headedness. These are normal responses and are no cause for alarm. If you faint, however, you have gone too far and should take it more slowly next time.
Disclaimer The information provided in this video is provided for informational purposes only and is NOT to be used or relied on for any treatment purposes. All information provided by TAKE A DEEP BREATH is of a general nature, only for educational/entertainment purposes. No information is to be taken as medical or health advice. Follow this breathing exercise at your own risk. TAKE A DEEP BREATH or Mike Maher is not responsible for any losses, liabilities, injuries or damages resulting from any and all claims as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this video.
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