Swimming and Breathing

[Jimbo]

I was watching a video of Alex Popov here http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/...0bbbd2617d7442&

I was amazed at how little he is actually coming up for air. Looks like he takes MAYBE 3 breaths across the entire length of the pool. WTF

Is that normal for a pro? When I am actually trying to do laps with any speed, I end up taking breaths every time I do the right stroke.

I guess it's a matter of conditioning? Just seems almost impossible to NOT require breathing..damn.

[ODB]

Here is a good workout for breathing less. (Breathing actually slows you down, particularly in a sprint).

Swim your first length with a breath every other stroke (on your right or left whichever you are comfortable with.) The next length breath every fourth, next length every sixth, then every eight, etc. until you are doing a length with only one or two breaths. Now work backwards back to your normal breathing. As you get better with this and more comfortable start doing more of your workout with fewer breaths.

You'll find that your turnover is faster as you are trying to go more strokes without a breath.

The other recommendation would be to practice breathing on each side (allows you to breath every third stroke). This is great for watching your competition and if you are doing triathlons it is almost a must to help you stay on course. This also helps with your body rotation.

[emartin10]

Yeah, the less you breath, the faster you typically go. Most of those pro swimmers are like that, 3-4 per length.

E

[Jimbo]

"Swim your first length with a breath every other stroke (on your right or left whichever you are comfortable with.) The next length breath every fourth, next length every sixth, then every eight, "

Got it. That sounds worth trying! Thanks

I had a fellow tell me he just uses a snorkel and mask when he swims. I don't think that would work out too well if I ever did decide to compete.:p

[Jimbo]

Originally Posted by emartin10

Yeah, the less you breath, the faster you typically go. Most of those pro swimmers are like that, 3-4 per length.

E

Pesky breathing. Gets in the way.

[ODB]

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Got it. That sounds worth trying! Thanks

I had a fellow tell me he just uses a snorkel and mask when he swims. I don't think that would work out too well if I ever did decide to compete.:p

Creates too much drag (they actually make one that the snorkel comes up between your eyes but that would make me cross-eyed).

Swimming is a lot like golf. Form can be as important as strength.

[emartin10]

Originally Posted by ODB

Creates too much drag (they actually make one that the snorkel comes up between your eyes but that would make me cross-eyed).

And you look like a moron. Normal goggles, and learn how to breath normally. Please. Please.

E

[Q.]

If you roll to the air with your body, I would guess that it's not as much drag as having to turn your head all the time. My understanding is that you should be swimming on one side and then the other anyway rather than just flat. That, in itself, is supposed to reduce your drag and it makes it easy to roll to the air.

A lot of times, I'll do my first lap with only a breath at the turn. That doesn't last long, unfortunately.

[SunshineChick]

I'm guessing it's normal for it to be easier to breathe on one side than the other? I can breathe every 3 strokes, but it's much easier when I turn my head right. Left feels like I'm lifting my neck, not just turning it.

[Q.]

I think that, if you just continue to practice both sides, it will start to feel more natural in short time.

[Ogedei]

I was like that too. I had to work on my "bi-lateral" breathing. I can now do it pretty easy. It's way better. Put the time in and learn it.

Then you can shake your head at all the people you see every week at the pool that can't do it.

I see someone else do it once in a blue moon at my pool.

Og.

[Jimbo]

Originally Posted by Q.

If you roll to the air with your body, I would guess that it's not as much drag as having to turn your head all the time. My understanding is that you should be swimming on one side and then the other anyway rather than just flat. That, in itself, is supposed to reduce your drag and it makes it easy to roll to the air.

I've read that as well. And I have been concentrating on "rolling" my body instead of turning my head. This has kept me from wearing my kneck out!

However, it's interesting to watch video of elite swimmers. You don't see much in the way of the "roll" described here. I guess it's a subtle roll, not a LOT of roll.

[fgabriel09]

Yeh, I always say that swimming is in fact a non-aerobic sport. :p

[Ruslan Kedik]

It's very common to see a swimmer that's above average to take less than three or two breaths during the entire length (25m/yards).

I recommend learning how to relax in the water before working on the breathing. Play around in the water, be free, and rate your comfort level in the water, if you're at a 10 lets move on.

With flippers or zoomers you can combine relaxation with some form of breathing work together in the same set. Fins will allow you to maintain your DPS and help you stay relaxed. While they're "spotting" you, you can now focus on your breathing, working through the hips and not your head.

[Ruslan Kedik]

Originally Posted by Jimbo

I've read that as well. And I have been concentrating on "rolling" my body instead of turning my head. This has kept me from wearing my kneck out!

However, it's interesting to watch video of elite swimmers. You don't see much in the way of the "roll" described here. I guess it's a subtle roll, not a LOT of roll.

Rolling from you L to your R, side to side.
Guys start off with fins, they're awesome, once you get better at it, cut an inch off the tip, and continue doing that until you can maintain your stroke without. Just make sure not to do your full practice with fins.

[Jimbo]

Originally Posted by Ruslan Kedik

Rolling from you L to your R, side to side.
Guys start off with fins, they're awesome, once you get better at it, cut an inch off the tip, and continue doing that until you can maintain your stroke without. Just make sure not to do your full practice with fins.

I've seen some swimmers there with short short fins. I assumed some kind of practice fins. I hadn't thought about the fact that they may have cut them down from regular fins. Probably a standard practice in swimming circles but I think that's a very creative way to train. May just have to get some fins.

[ODB]

You can buy them short for trainning.