Methods of improving respiratory effectiveness

A method for improving respiratory effectiveness of an individual, comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a grab device, comprising two removable mounts, configured to allow the grab device to be removably attached to a surface of, or near, a swimming pool, wherein the grab device further comprises an elongate bar extending between the two removable mounts, wherein the two removable mounts comprise suction mounts, the grab device being telescopic;
• b) attaching the grab device to the surface of, or near, the swimming pool so that the elongate bar is horizontally elongated in a direction parallel to a side surface of the swimming pool;
• c) inhaling a first breath and, while continuously holding the first breath, swimming in the swimming pool for a period of at least 10 seconds without exhaling or further inhaling;
• d) providing a controlled release of the first breath;
• e) inhaling a second breath and, without exhaling or further inhaling, adopting, and holding for a period of at least 3 seconds, at least one first stretch position, wherein a torso of the individual remains sufficiently straight such that expansion of the individual's lungs is not impeded while holding the at least one first stretch position, the at least one first stretch position requires constant muscular exertion by the individual to maintain the at least one first stretch position, and wherein the individual holds the elongate bar of the grab device with both hands for all or part of the period for which the at least one first stretch position is maintained;
• f) providing a controlled release of the second breath;
• g) inhaling a third breath and, while continuously holding the third breath, swimming in the swimming pool for a period of at least 10 seconds without exhaling or further inhaling;
• h) providing a controlled release of the third breath;
• and
• i) inhaling a fourth breath and, without exhaling or further inhaling, adopting, and holding for a period of at least 3 seconds, at least one second stretch position, which is different from the at least one first stretch position, wherein the torso of the individual remains sufficiently straight such that the expansion of the individual's lungs is not impeded while holding the at least one second stretch position, the at least one second stretch position requires constant muscular exertion by the individual to maintain the at least one second stretch position, and wherein the individual holds the elongate bar with both hands for all or part of the period for which the at least one second stretch position is maintained.