Shilpa Shetty Kundra has athlete's lungs, stuns fans with holding breath exercise: "How long can you hold yours?"

Health benefits of holding breath

• Improves lung capacity – Regular breath-holding exercises can enhance lung efficiency, increasing oxygen storage and improving respiratory endurance.
• Strengthens the diaphragm – Controlled breath-holding engages the diaphragm and respiratory muscles, making them stronger and more efficient.
• Enhances oxygen utilization – By practicing controlled breath-holding, the body becomes more efficient at using available oxygen, benefiting athletes and individuals in high-altitude environments.
• Reduces stress and anxiety – Holding your breath, combined with deep breathing techniques, activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and mental clarity.
• Increases CO2 tolerance – Training breath-holding helps the body adapt to higher carbon dioxide levels, improving endurance and reducing breathlessness during physical exertion.
• Supports cardiovascular health – Short breath-holding exercises can stimulate circulation, regulate heart rate, and promote better oxygen distribution throughout the body.
• Boosts mental focus and resilience – Breath-holding improves mental discipline, mindfulness, and the ability to stay calm under pressure, which is beneficial for athletes and individuals practicing meditation.