This week at swimgym BREATHING

This week we will switch between being relaxed and comfortable in the water and using breathing restrictions as a way of training your lungs. The right breathing pattern is personal and depends on your technique, your overall fitness and your swimming level. Remember to breathe according to your needs when swimming at an easy pace. Breathing during a sprint however is the same for everybody: less is more!
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featured workout May 15

Goal Endurance
Distance 1900
Intensity Medium
swod

swimming blog ​​Breathing Hacks: Smooth and Comfortable Freestyle

Swimming is the only sport in which the face is in the water, meaning technique is needed to position yourself to breathe. The moments you can breathe are therefore limited. This complicates swimming especially when you are new to it. Breathing interrupts your bod...

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Skills & drills Sidekick

This drill teaches you how to streamline and balance your body, and helps you with your breathing. During the sidekick you are kicking with one arm in front, one arm by your side, while rotated. It is the perfect drill to perfect your body rotation during swimming. Use fins if needed.

How to do it 


  • Start on your stomach with one arm stretched out in front of you, the other arm along your body

  • Kick with a steady pace

  • Now slowly turn to the side, but keep looking down towards the bottom of the pool

  • At this point one shoulder is lifted out of the water. Your hips and legs are also turned to the side

  • Gently turn your head sideways to breath. Make sure you breathe out underwater

Focus points 


  • Starting position: 1 arm in front, 1 arm next to body

  • Kick steady and face down towards the bottom of the pool

  • Breathe in by turning your head sideways (do not lift)

  • Keep your core tight and your feet up

Coach tip

Alternate the side kick with swimming freestyle. Your arm recovery and breathing should feel much easier.

Equipment:

fins

COACH TIP

Using breathing restrictions as an intensity interval works wonders. Make sure to adapt your breathing to your rhythm. When restricted, breathe out less in the first 2 strokes and then start exhaling little puffs. Figure out what works best for you and your lungs to stay relaxed.

More coach tips?

coach tips

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