Known for his fearless dedication to performing his own stunts, Tom Cruise once again stunned audiences with an extraordinary feat during the filming of Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015). In a scene that pushed physical limits, Cruise held his breath underwater for an astonishing six minutes and six seconds.
In a resurfaced video making the rounds on social media, Cruise shares how he trained extensively with a freediving expert to prepare for the demanding underwater sequence. “Most people can only hold their breath for about 10 to 15 seconds,” Cruise says. “So, I had to prove it was safe. I worked with the safety officers to show that it could be done, and that I was calm and relaxed.”
To ensure safety during filming, Cruise underwent rigorous preparation and collaborated closely with on-set safety personnel. His composure and control during the scene not only added realism to the film but also showcased a high level of physical and mental discipline.
This brings up a fascinating question: Is it humanly possible to hold your breath for six minutes or more?
Expert Insights on Breath-Holding
According to fitness coach Varun Rattan, holding your breath for extended periods is achievable, but only with dedicated training, patience, and proper technique.
“Start by establishing your baseline,” says Rattan. “Take a deep breath at rest and hold it until you feel mild discomfort. Record this time—it’s your starting point.”
From there, breath-hold performance can gradually be improved through mindful practice. One crucial factor, Rattan emphasizes, is relaxation.
“When you tense up, you consume more oxygen, which shortens the time you can hold your breath. Stay calm, stay relaxed. Use mindfulness or body-awareness techniques to keep your muscles loose and your mind clear.”
Steps to Improve Breath-Hold Capacity
1. Diaphragmatic Breathing Between Holds
After each attempt, take 10–12 deep, belly breaths to fully oxygenate your body. This helps stabilize oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
2. Structured Training
Practice 5–10 breath holds per session, gradually increasing duration over time. Don’t push too hard—improvements should be slow and consistent. If your times drop below your baseline, you may be fatigued and need rest.
3. Train With Inhales and Exhales
Incorporate both full-inhale and full-exhale holds into your routine. While inhale holds mimic real underwater scenarios, exhale holds help train your body to function with less oxygen.
4. Move to Underwater Practice—With Supervision
Once you’re comfortable with 2–3 minute holds on land, begin underwater training—but only with supervision. “Panicking or moving too much underwater increases oxygen consumption and reduces your breath-hold time,” warns Rattan.
Safety First: Don’t Try This Alone
While Cruise’s achievement is inspiring, Rattan emphasizes that such stunts should never be attempted without professional supervision.
“Pushing your limits for a movie role is one thing. But attempting extreme breath-holding without guidance can be dangerous. If it’s not necessary, don’t even try it,” he advises.
Tom Cruise’s underwater sequence is a testament to what the human body and mind can achieve through disciplined training and expert support. But while it’s thrilling to see on screen, the key takeaway for everyday enthusiasts is to approach breathwork with caution, patience, and a focus on safety above all.
