How Long Can the Average Person Hold Their Breath?
Breathing is an essential part of life and yet many people don’t think about it until they have to. Holding your breath, however, is not only a party trick—it’s a skill that has some practical benefits. Knowing how long a person can hold their breath can help divers and swimmers understand their limits and avoid overexertion.
Lung Capacity
The amount of time a person can hold their breath depends on their lung capacity. This is the amount of air a person’s lungs can hold at one time. The average adult lung capacity is about 6 liters, but this can vary depending on age, gender, height, and other factors.
Training
Training can also play a role in how long a person can hold their breath. Professional divers and swimmers often practice breath-holding techniques to help increase their lung capacity and build up their endurance. This can allow them to hold their breath for longer periods of time.
Average Breath Holding Time
The average breath holding time for an untrained person is around one minute. People who train regularly can, however, increase their breath-holding time to two or three minutes. In extreme cases, some people have been able to hold their breath for up to eight minutes.
Risks
Although it is possible to increase your breath-holding time, it is important to remember that it can be dangerous. When a person holds their breath for too long, they can become lightheaded and may even pass out. It is important to practice breath-holding techniques safely and to know your limits.
