How To Breathe When Swimming | Freestyle Swimming For Beginners
Swimming is an excellent form of exercise that can help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and increase endurance. However, for beginners, one of the most challenging aspects of swimming is learning how to breathe properly. In this article, we will discuss how to breathe when swimming and provide you with some tips to make the process easier.
Breathing Techniques for Swimming
Breathe out underwater: The first step to breathing when swimming is to exhale underwater. To do this, breathe in through your mouth or nose when your face is out of the water, then exhale slowly and completely when your face is submerged. This technique will help you to release carbon dioxide and make it easier to take in oxygen when you surface.
Breathing in: When you're ready to inhale, turn your head to the side, keeping your face in the water, and take a quick breath. Ideally, you want to inhale as quickly and efficiently as possible to avoid interrupting your stroke. Practice this motion while standing in the water or using a kickboard before incorporating it into your swimming stroke.
Timing: The timing of your breath is also critical. When swimming freestyle, aim to breathe every two or three strokes. This will help you establish a rhythm and make breathing feel more natural. As you become more comfortable, you can adjust your breathing pattern to better suit your needs.
Body position: Proper body position can also make it easier to breathe when swimming. Keep your head down and your body as flat and streamlined as possible. This will help you move through the water more efficiently, reducing the amount of effort required to breathe.
Tips to Improve Your Breathing When Swimming
Practice Makes Perfect: The key to mastering breathing when swimming is to practice regularly. Take the time to focus on your breathing technique during your swimming workouts, and practice exhaling underwater and inhaling quickly and efficiently.
Relax: It's essential to stay relaxed when swimming. Tense muscles can restrict your breathing, making it more difficult to inhale and exhale properly. Focus on relaxing your neck, shoulders, and jaw when swimming to make breathing easier.
Keep Calm: If you feel out of breath when swimming, try to stay calm and take a break. Stop swimming and float on your back or side, taking deep breaths until you feel ready to resume.
Get Help: If you're struggling with breathing when swimming, consider working with a coach or taking a swimming lesson. A professional can help you identify any issues with your technique and provide guidance on how to improve.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to breathe when swimming can take time and practice, but with patience and persistence, you can master this essential skill. Remember to exhale underwater, inhale quickly and efficiently, maintain proper body position, and practice regularly to improve your technique. By following these tips, you'll be swimming with ease in no time.