Unlike conventional modern "magic," what was involved in the underwater breathhold was not special effects or hidden technology. Instead, Blaine prepared using a combination of hypoxic tent training to increase his hematocrit, preloading with 100% oxygen, meditation to decrease his oxygen consumption, and hyperventilation to delay his hypercapnic response.
As a useful reference point, his 17-minute breathhold time is almost the same length as this 20-minute TED talk. It's also worth noting here as an addendum that the hyperventilation ("purging") he describes should not be attempted by amateurs to increase underwater breathhold time while swimming or diving. The technique does allow a longer breathhold, but does not provide additional oxygen, so novices can become disoriented from hypoxia and drown.
As a useful reference point, his 17-minute breathhold time is almost the same length as this 20-minute TED talk. It's also worth noting here as an addendum that the hyperventilation ("purging") he describes should not be attempted by amateurs to increase underwater breathhold time while swimming or diving. The technique does allow a longer breathhold, but does not provide additional oxygen, so novices can become disoriented from hypoxia and drown.
I absolutely LOVE that site.
There goes my respect and admiration for TED
I really doubt David Blaine has perfected the art of breathing slowly.
I mean Blaine WAS published in some fancy schmancy scientific journal for the feat.
I agree, the guy is friggin nuttier than a squirrel turd, but, there is something "scientific" about what he did. jeez, lighten up.
There's no way an illusionist would give a pseudo-scientific theory to distract us from a perfectly comprehensible trick/explanation.
sigh.
Please share your infinite wisdom with the ignorant world of the fools who believe in the pseudo-scientific bullshit theory of "training hard for several months while under a strict diet". Pfah! all this jargon! I don't understand a word of it!
So what's the TRUE "comprehensible explanation"?
he DID it. it was not a trick. others have done it in the same way, as u would know if you had seen the talk, did some research and not just started to troll.
i can do 4-5 minutes :)
havent ever given it so much to. now i think, maybe i should...