Just wondering what the general consensus is on whether breathing every stroke is good or bad. In age-group swimming back in the day it was frowned upon; watching the Trials, I've seen most of the top 200/400 free swimmers breathe every stroke. Is that recommended now?
Parents
Former Member
depends on person and O2 needs.. personally, I pick a breathing pattern and stick to it in order to help me get into a rhythm.... it was always every other stroke because I could only breathe on my right side and felt it was easier if I breathed every 2nd stroke vs. every 4th, but now that I've been bilaterally breathing, I find every 3rd stroke is great.... but yeah, I think that if you breathe correctly, it doesn't affect your stroke so why not breathe as much as you need?
depends on person and O2 needs.. personally, I pick a breathing pattern and stick to it in order to help me get into a rhythm.... it was always every other stroke because I could only breathe on my right side and felt it was easier if I breathed every 2nd stroke vs. every 4th, but now that I've been bilaterally breathing, I find every 3rd stroke is great.... but yeah, I think that if you breathe correctly, it doesn't affect your stroke so why not breathe as much as you need?
