BOLT Breathing Test

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The Bolt Breathing Test is a simple assessment of one’s carbon dioxide (CO2) tolerance and overall respiratory health. To perform it, one should take a normal breath in and out, then hold their breath until they feel the first urge to breathe. The time elapsed is the Bolt Score, which indicates CO2 tolerance. Lower scores may suggest inefficient breathing patterns.

To enhance CO2 tolerance for everyday life, practice diaphragmatic breathing, focusing on slow, deep breaths through the nose. This encourages efficient CO2 exchange. Breathing exercises can gradually increase tolerance. Maintaining proper posture can also contribute to improved CO2 levels, benefiting overall well-being.

Source: “Built to Move” 2023 by Kelly and Juliet Starrett

This is a test not a challenge. Perform from a seated and safe position. Do not hold beyond your limit. Do not perform this test if you are at risk of fainting, or have any conditions that may cause issues when holding your breath.

Social media:

[cincin]

Every time I take one of these YouTube health challenges I get shown I only have minutes to live.

[infinitysocialmediachannel]

I’m 63 and can still hold on up to 38! I’ve been practicing breathing meditation for a year now and it bring my blood pressure back to 127/78 with 79-81 heart rate! Without any maintenance medication! Self Discipline is the key!

[srisetiawati]

First practice: 22 seconds
Second exercise: 40 seconds
After that I felt relaxed and my chest was no longer so tight..😍

Thanks Justin

[dianederita]

33. Yay me.
At 62 years young, I’m planning to practice to extend my time.
Believe you me, it’s never too late to begin anything that helps to support your health. Thank you!

[kathrynb]

I quit smoking 7 months ago after being born to a 3 pack a day mother, 2 pack a day father my whole life and only not smoking for 2 years during pregnancies. I relaxed completely and got to 35. Yay! I credit singing for 2 hours a day whole life.

[georgefirth]

1) it has to be at your first sign to breathe
2) you have to breathe in naturally afterwards
3) you must be able to breathe in through your nose afterwards

It’s not a test but a measurement to see how well you operate co2 and how oxygenated your cells are. Buteyko invented it as the Control Pause. Patrick Mckeown called it the BOLT score for oxygen advantage.

[writitripathy]

I barely held till 31 to prove that I'm fine😭💪🏻(I have breathing issues and need to start exercising soon)

[krishnarao]

I lasted till 24. Below normal. Need to do more breathing exercise. Thank you for sharing this test.

[minervagonzales]

Thanks for this videoo.
It's VITAL to PRACTICE PROPER DEEP BREATHING TECHNIQUE
EVERYDAY particularly in the MORNING for DETOXIFICATION of lungs @ least 3-4 times a day.

[GlobetrotterUptown]

Fist practice (after having heavy dinner): 14s
Second practice: 22s
Third practice: 31s and I'm done 🙌
⚠️From now onward I'll do regular meditation and breathing practice.

[alliphil]

Kept stopping at 23. I had to NOT watch the screen and just stare in admiration at the trees/sky which made me not focus on the count. 😀 Made it to 40 easily when focused on nature. That was interesting. 🙂

[Nero_AZ]

As soon as it got to 31 I let go. Kinda tough ngl

[cvanb]

For years I was working out and didn't really feel like I was getting the results I wanted... once I started practicing breathing exercises before and after workouts, I saw a huge difference and not only the result I was getting, but much better overall health. Never realized how important it was!

[deanjoseph]

Wait...inhale through my nostrils and exhale out my nose

[gingerteath]

1st attempt: 36 secs
2nd: I did it lying down, eyes closed, without holding my nose. 47 secs I felt so peaceful

[nubeebee]

50 seconds the first time. And I have a scars through out my lungs from pneumonia as a 1 month old baby. Not bad!

[mahletmamo]

How can we improve it to normal, is there any exercise u recommend us?

[victoriannmccurdy]

We both took a breath at the same time which surprised me! I learned something new about myself today that according to this particular exercise my respiratory system is healthy! 🎃👍

[theresamountain]

Excellent, easy to understand information. Thank you

[Hionyaface]

Try closing your eyes, it’s looking at the timer that makes you not relax and need breath soon. I failed to go past 20 for 3 times, but when I closed my eyes, it was 37 secs when I opened my eyes