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Casey G.
Casey G. Sendmail

What is the best way to learn how to breathe correctly while swimming?

asked over 1 year ago | Report

I just started lap swimming in anticipation of my first tri this summer. I find myself out of breath after a lap or two. I know that it is technique and practice that is causing this, because I am a runner and in good shape, but I wondered if there are any suggestions how to get better at it. I live in North Carolina.

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  • Maggie
    Maggie Sendmail

    It could be your breathing and it could also be just a lack of swim fitness. If I don't swim for awhile, regardless of my cardiovascular fitness from running or biking, it takes some time for me to build up my swim endurance. In any case, I have found this website to be really helpful in learning proper swim technique. There's a section on breathing in the beginner portion of the site. The other thing you could try is finding someone local who can help you with your stroke. Good luck!

    http://www.swimsmooth.com/beginner.php

    answered over 1 year ago |Report

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  • Joe H.
    Joe H. Sendmail

    here's a good article from a neat swim website
    http://www.swimsmooth.com/breathing_beg.html

    hope that helps

    answered over 1 year ago |Report

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  • Gary M.
    Gary M. Sendmail

    Lots of good books, videos' etc out there but the issue is: you can't see what you are doing wrong. I was in the same situation you are in. I took some private swim lessons than joined a Masters swim club. Listen closely to what the coach says. Little changes can make big improvements on speed and endurance.

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  • Ted
    Ted Sendmail

    Slow your arm speed down and don't "kick", use the feet for balance. I agree with M, swimsmooth.com is a great website.

    answered over 1 year ago |Report

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  • Jeffrey K.
    Jeffrey K. Sendmail

    Do you empty your lungs out by exhaling under water before you come up to breathe again? Are you breathing every two or three strokes? Are you holding your breath under the water before you come up to breathe again? There are so many questions about why this may be happening to you. Like the other members have stated here, check out the resources on the web to help you out. Check out the forums at http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/, too (great site for triathletes of all levels). Also, if you have a rec center and/or health club with a pool that you go to, check out getting some lessons on proper form to help you out. You may just need a couple of lessons to be shown proper swimming form. The nice thing is that once you get it - that is, how to swim and breathe properly in the water - you never really forget how to do it properly. Good luck!

    answered over 1 year ago |Report

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  • Bryce H.
    Bryce H. Sendmail

    I used to breathe from the left side only and I took me laps in the pool and some persistence and finally got to where I could breathe bilateral (every 3 strokes) without thinking about it. Once I figured it out I found that my left arm was more sore do to having to catch up on strength, But I am finding I am getting more balanced and swimming straighter now.

    The timing I use is I hold my breath for one stroke then let it out slowly on the next 2 strokes.

    answered over 1 year ago |Report

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