Tues. exercise and my “holding breath” experiment

On Tuesday morning, I warmed up with karate kicks and shadow boxing.  Then I did the following circuit twice:

1. 6-count burpees in a “half Tabata Protocol” (four 20-second exercise periods with 10-second rest intervals)
2. hand clap push ups
3. T push ups
4. Bicycle abs (alternately touching elbows to opposite knee)

The entire session took 16 minutes.  Then I enjoyed listening to music while I did about 8 minutes of stretching.

Holding my breath experiment (Warning:  I don’t know if this is safe or healthy for everyone to try.) One of my personal experiments to stimulate the release of growth hormone involves holding my breath.  My thinking is that a brief stress of oxygen deprivation may engage a beneficial adaptation and may also stimulate the release of growth hormone.  

I found that if I hold my breath on a big inhalation, I could hold my breath for about 85 seconds.  If I hold my breath after exhaling, I can hold my breath for about 45 seconds.  Since I want to temporarily feel a need for oxygen, I usually opt to hold my breath after exhaling to take less time.  I am not sure if my experiences have been tainted by expectation, but I have noticed increased relaxation after holding my breath a few times; the relaxation is especially apparent when I hold my breath a few times when laying in bed before going to sleep.  I also notice increased appreciation of music during and after holding my breath.  Anyway, I have had enough of a result that I will continue the experiment.