The Science of Breathing While Swimming| How It Affects Performance.
Swimming is a fun sport, but it isn't as easy as we think. There are several things to take care of when you move ahead with swimming. The science of breathing plays a significant role in swimming, which is a vital thing that we have to take care of. We can learn the art with some days of practice, but to explore its intricacies, it is required to know the nook and corner. So, in this blog, I'll share swimming breathing techniques which you have to take care to look at with. Hence, go through the blog till the end to know more.
What is the role of efficient swimming while breathing?
The role of swimming is such that it puts all the effort into your respiratory system. Here, the process happens in such a way that oxygen is delivered to the muscles, and carbon dioxide is removed from your lungs. You spend your energy on breathing, and this energy expenditure increases under physical load, stress, and fatigue. Henceforth, this is the reason why knowing swimming is such an important thing.
Efficient breathing depends upon several other factors during swimming, which include the intensity of your exercise and the efficiency of the breathing technique you use while practising swimming. Even your respiratory muscles use the pattern of the thoracic spine for flexibility and habitual breathing patterns, which influence efficiency. Hence, if you concentrate and improve these factors, it can lead to better performance and also a reduction in fatigue. If your breathing is proper, you have to spend less energy during respiration, and this leads you to spend your energy on your swimming session wisely, and thus you can derive maximum benefits of swimming for your health.
What are some common misconceptions about breathing while swimming?
Well, there are several myths and so-called stereotypes that we follow or strongly believe while swimming. Knowing them can break the circle and will help you to know the game properly.
Inhaling the Water is Inescapable.
Practicing swimming inside the water leads to water inhaling. But this is not true. You can avoid taking in water when you are breathing. You can do all these by adjusting your body position, breathing to the side, relaxing your head and neck, and increasing the time spent swimming on your side. Hence, this will help you gain power and control over how and when you should breathe.
Feeling Winded
While practising swimming, it is usual to feel oxygen deprivation, but as you improve your air exchange, you will begin to feel more relaxed and also have control of your swim. Do not be surprised if you unlock new levels of stamina and speed in your swim.
Hold your Breathe Underwater
One of the most common misconceptions about breathing while swimming is that you need to hold your breath underwater. Well, this isn't true. Having your breath for a long time underwater can create tension that increases the build-up of CO2, which is where there is a chance that you might suffocate faster. Instead of this, you can exhale slowly and continuously underwater and only inhale when you feel the need to breathe. This technique will help you sustain yourself in the water for a more extended period.
Exhaling Underwater is Necessary
Many newbie swimmers sometimes forget to exhale underwater, which results in rushed and panicked breaths. When you smoothly exhale underwater in a controllable way, it ensures that you are ready to inhale quickly when you turn down to breathe.
You can't Breathe While Kicking in a Butterfly.
Many of us assume that the butterfly breathing may delay the kick. But no. Proper timing involves breathing during the second kick and keeping the head low to maintain momentum.
Only Mouth Breathing is Needed
Mostly, while swimming, we'll ignore the nose exhalation that leads to water entering the nose. But, in actuality, exhaling through the nose can help prevent water intake and also help with buoyancy.
No Need to Practise Breathing Drills
We usually don't give much importance to practising breathing drills, thinking that breathing comes naturally. But in actuality, drills like catch-up freestyle, side kicking, and bubble blowing help refine your breathing techniques and also timing.
What Are Some Key Fixes for Better Breathing?
Here are some key techniques which you can use for better breathing.
- Kindly exhale steadily underwater, and do not try to hold your breath.
- Try staying relaxed, especially when you are underwater. It is because tension makes breathing harder.
- Take time breaths with stroke rhythm, but make sure it is neither too early nor too late.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is breathing while swimming different from regular breathing?
There exists a difference in the place where you breathe; when you breathe on the land, you can breathe however you want. But when you breathe in water, you must time your breaths with strokes to avoid swallowing in water. Swimmers also exhale underwater, only inhaling when their mouth is above the surface.
Should I breathe through my nose or mouth while swimming?
Inhale through your mouth, and exhale through your nose or mouth when you are underwater, whichever feels natural to you.
Why do I feel breathless even after a short time?
This isn't natural. It could be due to your mistakes, such as holding your breath instead of exhaling in the water. Your breath should be neither too fast nor too shallow.
The science behind breathing in water is an art to master to master swimming. Hence, it is necessary to have control over your breathing for better performance.
Thank you!