The average person can hold their breath for 30–90 seconds. This time can increase or decrease due to various factors, such as smoking, underlying medical conditions, or breath training. The length of time a person can hold their breath voluntarily typically ranges from 30 to 90 secondsTrusted Source. A person can practice breath-holding to increase their lung capacity, and there are training guidelines to help individuals learn to hold their breath for longer periods. Training usually takes several months. People may use these training techniques for advanced military training, free diving, swimming, or other recreational activities. This article will look at the physical effects of breath-holding, its benefits, risks, and increasing lung capacity. What happens when you hold your breath? A person needs oxygen for their body to perform vital functions, and holding in a breath prevents new oxygen from entering the body. When people hold their breath, the body is still using oxygen ...