How can I optimize my breathing while swimming?
July 30, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Claudia Rothwiller
Dear Doctor,
My name is Christian Hagedorn and I am reaching out to you because I have been having issues with my breathing while swimming and would like to know how I can optimize it. I am 35 years old and swim regularly as part of my fitness routine. Lately, I have noticed that I often get out of breath while swimming and struggle to maintain control over my breathing.
Currently, when I am doing freestyle or breaststroke, I feel like I am not getting enough air after a short period of time. This results in having to take more breaks to recover, which affects my swimming performance. I am concerned that my inadequate breathing is hindering my progress in swimming and would like to learn how to improve my breathing.
Can you please provide me with tips on how I can optimize my breathing while swimming? Are there specific breathing techniques that I can practice to improve my lung capacity and increase my endurance? Should I have my swimming technique checked to ensure that I am breathing more efficiently? Are there also specific exercises outside of the water that could help strengthen my respiratory muscles?
I thank you in advance for your assistance and look forward to implementing your advice to optimize my breathing while swimming.
Sincerely,
Christian Hagedorn
Dear Christian Hagedorn,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your breathing difficulties while swimming. It is important that you take this issue seriously, as efficient breathing while swimming is crucial for your performance and well-being in the water.
There are various factors that can influence your breathing difficulties while swimming. One possible cause could be inadequate breathing technique. In freestyle and breaststroke, it is important to integrate breathing into the stroke. Most swimmers breathe every two to three arm strokes to the same side in freestyle. It may be helpful to review and possibly optimize your breathing technique. Make sure to inhale deeply through your nose and exhale controlled through your mouth.
Additionally, specific breathing techniques such as "roll breathing" in freestyle or the "3-3-3 pattern" (three strokes - inhale, three strokes - exhale, three strokes - inhale) may help improve your breathing patterns and ensure continuous oxygen supply during swimming.
It is also recommended to perform targeted breathing exercises outside of the water to strengthen your breathing muscles and improve your lung capacity. This may include exercises such as blowing up balloons, playing wind instruments, or training with breathing devices.
Other factors such as your overall fitness, body weight, body position in the water, and relaxation while swimming may also play a role in your breathing difficulties. It may be beneficial to have your entire swimming technique reviewed by a professional swimming coach to identify and improve any weaknesses.
I recommend integrating these tips and advice into your swimming routine and practicing regularly to optimize your breathing while swimming. If you have persistent complaints or questions, I am happy to provide further advice and support.
I wish you success in improving your breathing while swimming and look forward to hearing about your progress.
Best regards,
Claudia Rothwiller
