How to breathe comfortably during swimming.

Swimming is a fantastic workout that offers numerous benefits, from improving cardiovascular fitness to increasing muscular strength and endurance. However, for many swimmers, breathing can be a challenge, leading to fatigue, anxiety, and even panic in the water. In this guide, we will discuss how to breathe when swimming, including how to time the breath and some sets to improve your breathing.

Timing Your Breath

When swimming, proper breathing is critical to maintaining good form, reducing fatigue, and avoiding cramps. The key is to exhale when your face is in the water and inhale when your face is out of the water. This is known as the "bilateral breathing" technique, where you alternate breathing on both sides of your body. This technique will help you maintain a steady and smooth swimming rhythm.

The most common breathing pattern is to inhale every two or three strokes. Some swimmers prefer to breathe on one side only, while others alternate breathing on both sides. It's important to find what works best for you and stick to it. If you're new to swimming, it's a good idea to practice bilateral breathing to help you develop a more balanced stroke. Here are some tips to help you time your breath:

 

  1. Exhale slowly and continuously through your nose or mouth when your face is in the water. This will help you release carbon dioxide and make room for fresh oxygen when you inhale.

  2. When you turn your head to breathe, do it quickly and efficiently, without lifting your head too high or slowing down your stroke.

  3. Inhale deeply and quickly through your mouth when your face is out of the water. Try to get as much air as possible in one breath to avoid having to take another breath too soon.

 

Sets to Improve Your Breathing In addition to proper technique, there are several sets you can do to improve your breathing when swimming. Here are a few examples:

Using a front snorkel during swimming can provide additional benefits to improve breathing technique. A front snorkel allows you to keep your face in the water and breathe through the snorkel, which helps you focus on your swimming form and technique without worrying about your breathing. This allows you to develop a more efficient swimming stroke and reduce the need to turn your head to breathe, which can help prevent neck and shoulder strain.

A front snorkel can also be helpful for swimmers who struggle with anxiety or panic when their face is in the water, as it provides a constant source of air and eliminates the need to lift the head to breathe. Additionally, using a front snorkel can help increase lung capacity and endurance by forcing you to take longer, deeper breaths.

In conclusion, proper breathing is essential when swimming, and by using the bilateral breathing technique, timing your breath, and incorporating sets that challenge your breathing, you can improve your endurance, speed, and overall performance. Additionally, using a front snorkel can provide additional benefits to improve breathing technique and reduce strain on the neck and shoulders, making it a valuable tool for swimmers of all levels.