The video's host, Mike, attempts to learn how to hold his breath for four minutes. Initially, he uses an app called Stamina, which helps him increase his breath-holding time to 2 minutes and 5 seconds. He then learns about the "diving reflex," a technique that slows down the heart rate and allows people to hold their breath for longer periods. Mike uses this technique and eventually breaks the 3-minute mark. He then begins training in the water, but faces mental challenges. After practicing meditation and spending more time in the water, his times improve. Mike consults with a free diving expert, who explains the three stages of breath-holding and encourages him to push through the discomfort. Mike ultimately attempts to break the 4-minute mark and uploads an unedited video of his longest breath hold.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. In 2014, Bronco Petrovich held his breath for 11 minutes and 54 seconds.
2. This is the longest recorded time anyone has held their breath without breathing oxygen-enriched gas beforehand.
3. The Guinness World Record for holding one's breath is 12 minutes.
4. The diving reflex is a natural reflex that helps slow down the heart rate and reduce oxygen consumption.
5. The diving reflex can be triggered by splashing cold water on the face, covering the nostrils.
6. The diving reflex can help people hold their breath for longer periods.
7. Ian Donald is a free diving and apnea expert.
8. According to Ian Donald, most people can split a breath hold into three sections: the first third is comfortable, the second third is where CO2 builds up, and the final third is where the body starts to contract.
9. The final third of a breath hold is where the diaphragm and intercostal muscles start to spasm.
10. Ian Donald says that people can go through a significant amount of contractions without being at risk as long as there are people with them.
11. The author, Mike Voight, managed to break the 3-minute mark on day 7 of his training.
12. The author contacted Ian Donald to ask if it's possible to train to hold one's breath for four minutes or more.
13. Skillshare is an online learning platform with over 24,000 classes taught by experts.
14. The author has two classes on Skillshare: one on solving the Rubik's Cube and one on beginner's guitar.
15. Skillshare is offering two months of premium access for free to the author's viewers.