BREATHING IN SWIMMING
Breathing technique is part of the overall sport specific
technique in any sport. That applies also to any other form of human movement. There is an optimal way to breathe during any activity, though in some it doesn't really matter, where in others it's crucial to overall performance.
Breathing technique in swimming is of paramount importance because it can directly and significantly affect athletes performance.
Just as with the swimming technique itself however, there is no consensus on the breathing technique for swimming. What we have are several approaches that bring in various logic behind them, and we have experiential and anecdotal evidence to support or negate those approaches. What we don't have is any concrete scientific proof behind any approach.
From the
Pose Method® point of view, it is correct to breathe every stroke in freestyle. That way we deliver much needed oxygen supply to our body consistently, compared to breathing every other stroke or every 2-3 strokes. The key is to make your breathing seamless so it doesn't interfere with your technique but contributes to it. Breathing by random selection of intervals is not a smart tactic because it only creates havoc in your engine.
Your breathing should be light, quick, effortless but consistent. Pick a side, left or right, and breathe every stroke (reminder: stroke is a full cycle of one arm, from support to support). Taking a deep breath trying to store air in your lungs so you have to take less breaths does not work. The only thing a
human body can really store is fat. Sad but true. A body operates best as a consistently flowing engine where there is a constant exchange in "demand and supply" style.
Take for example
Michael Phelps. If you look at any of
his videos, it is easy to see how he takes his breaths. He does it due to his natural talent and great coaching. You can do it too, and we'll do our best to provide you with the
best coaching.
Article by Dr. Nicholas Romanov
Composed by L. Romanov
