How to Hold Your Breath Like David Blaine, World Record Holder (and Now, Me)

Last night, world-famous magician and endurance artist David Blaine taught me — along with about 10 other TEDMED attendees — how to hold my breath.

David holds the Guinness world record for holding his breath: 17 minutes and 4.4 seconds. I was born premature and, unlike David, I couldn't remember the last time I held my breath for more than one minute. It is my physiological Achilles heel.

What were the results?

My first baseline test: 40 seconds.
15 minutes of training later: 3 minutes and...