[Harp-L] Lung capacity

[William Jennings <will@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

'Change' may be the operative word in this question.

Athletes can improve their V 02 Max, or ability to 'process' oxygen
more efficiently and and greater volume in response to physical  
activity.

Free divers, those who dive without any apparatus, can train themselves
to go deeper and stay under longer.

When sea kayaking, one learns to relax when capsized, to remain calm,
and keep one's breath while working to 'right' the situation....and  
surfers
will train by descending to the ocean floor, and running while carrying
stones heavy enough to keep them submerged....training themselves
to use their available oxygen in the midst of physical effort (which  
is much
different than passively holding your breath...try it next time
you're running a 7 minute mile...above water, I mean....)

Lung capacity and elasticity can be reduced.
Medical conditions, age, genetics, etc. all play a role in your  
'given gear'.

You can improve on what you've got, hold what you have longer, and/or  
slow
some of the conditions that cause capacity to degrade.

As with all matters of technique and training, your mileage will vary.

-Will