Breathing while swimming is essential for staying afloat and efficient. It involves a coordinated process of exhaling underwater and inhaling above the water's surface. Here's a breakdown:
1. Exhale Underwater: Before surfacing for a breath, exhale fully through your nose and mouth, pushing the air out into the water. This helps clear your airways and creates space for a full inhale.
2. Rotate and Turn Your Head: As you approach the surface, rotate your body slightly and turn your head to the side, bringing one goggle lens above the waterline. This allows you to breathe without disrupting your body's streamline.
3. Inhale Quickly and Efficiently: As your head breaks the surface, inhale quickly and deeply through your mouth. Avoid taking large gulps of air as this can disrupt your rhythm.
4. Return to the Water: Immediately after inhaling, turn your head back into the water, returning to your streamline position.
5. Repeat: Continue this cycle of exhaling underwater, rotating your head, inhaling above the surface, and returning to the water.
Tips for Effective Breathing:
- Practice Exhaling: Practice blowing bubbles underwater to get comfortable exhaling in the water.
- Find Your Rhythm: Experiment with different breathing patterns to find what feels comfortable and efficient for you. You can breathe every 2, 3, or even 4 strokes.
- Stay Relaxed: Avoid tensing up your neck and shoulders, which can make breathing difficult.
- Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated helps maintain your lung capacity and prevent dehydration.
Key Takeaways:
- Breathing while swimming is a crucial skill that requires practice and coordination.
- Focus on exhaling fully underwater to create space for a full inhale.
- Rotate your body and head to breathe without disrupting your streamline.
- Experiment with breathing patterns to find what works best for you.
- Stay relaxed and avoid tensing up your neck and shoulders.
