Swimming - Freestyle - Exhale Slowly

While I've often been quoted as saying, "Air is for wimps," the reality is, air is GOOD. While balance, good rotation, and correct timing are all important to taking in a good breath, air exchange is also a key aspect of faster and more comfortable swimming.

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[TehCube]

I like breathing out slowly as well, or at least trying to, but I use a nose-clip so I'm exhaling through my mouth. Is that ok, or should I try and lose the nose-clip? I just enjoy swimming so much more when it doesn't "floss" my nose after each lap. :)

[goswim098]

@TehCube Whatever works for you is correct. I use nose clips when I use a snorkel, and when I film. I've always got a couple pair in my swim bag... so whatever makes it more fun for you, and less stressful... is correct.

[TheAvi92]

@goswim098 The Humming Tip Was Too Good. I just started to take swimming lessons, but the problem I'm dealing with is that I have Respiratory Problems (asthma). thus everytime I turn my neck to grab some air, I get too desperate for it and end up loosing my body posture. Is there anything that can help me?

Also, when I take my neck out, sometimes my legs automatically sink in and it's too difficult for me to again back up.

Pls do help me with these problems of mine.

P.S. I'm just a beginner ; )

[goswim098]

@TheAvi92 Visit our website and post some of your questions there. We have a good membership base and a lot of great people that will give you some advice and suggestions.  Thanks.

[bigwhite138]

One quick thing that I would like some input from any knowledgeable people... I'm a sprint freestyler. My best event is the 50, and over the years I've trained myself to just not breathe at all; this technique has served me well, as I've excelled all the way into my college career. Is holding your breath a significant detriment to you as a swimmer? Even if the event is short like a 50 free?

[goswim098]

@bigwhite138 - I've coached a lot of sprinters who also feel it's better to wait until after the turn. Problem is... you'll NEED air after the turn after exhaling through the turn. This "need" too often slows the cadence and disrupts the rhythm. I've already said it, so I won't pound it in too much... get air BEFORE you need it... not WHEN you need it. If you wait 'til you need it... it's too late. Have a good season and keep experimenting.

[goswim098]

@TomSouthLondon - Sorry if you were offended Tom. This was obviously a small joke. Something some of my follow Olympian friends and I used to say while training. Totally understand if you don't get it.

[dellieke]

Thanks for uploading, the slow exhale really benefits. I struggled a lot with breathing in freestyle. I tend to swim too quickly in fear of losing correct body position and sink :-) but then I was exhausted after two lengths. Now while more concentrating on breathing and especially slower exhaling, I'm more relaxed and at the same time more concentrated.

[HusseinK1988]

I have a problem with rotating the head , I usualy lift my head up which cause me to stop :(

the trainer told me to put my head on my shoulder(lefthand) as if i am sleeping on it ,while i look at my right hand while it moves

sometime this wroks for me ,but when iget back the 2nd day ,i am like in a restart phase,everything doesn work

do u think this is a good way to fast learn the breathing? i can swim 40 meter with no breathing but then i ahve to stop to take a breath

advise plz

[jackrussellforsale]

i just started swimming after many , many years of not being in a pool, My problem is i experienced painful hiccups that lasted for 5 hours after swimming freestyle in a pool for a little over 1 hour. I also noticed that everytime i breath, I gulped down tons of air for fear of being out of breath when i return my face under water. My question is, how hard or softly should we breathe when turning to the side to breathe? I breathe every 3 strokes bilaterally, Should i instead breathe every 2 ?

[sattar82]

@TheAvi92 try to rotate your head sideways. Do not lift you head in front which actually cause your legs go down. its simple rule your body follows your head. So rotate you head not lift....

[TheAvi92]

@goswim098 Thanks a Ton : )

[bodywood]

I think about my breathing a lot but am not sure what is right. I personally think breathing out controlled to fast through the mouth works best for ease of max flow rate though I do vary it a bit, out through the nose as well. Another thing is I find it makes my nostrils quite itchy after swim if I do too much power through the nose. I am working on my distance, am currently doing 4k 1hr15 swims. Considering if i can do 10k race by May.