From what I understand, breath control training largely provides little (if any?) physiological training effect other than from the work itself (which is hindered anyway, making it a waste of time for training any of the energy systems).
I assume there is room to mentally adapt and learn how to manage hypoxic suffering. But other than developing a strong aerobic base and increasing level of conditioning, can one actually have room to improve their hypoxic capacity specifically through hypoxic training?
Thank you!
Parents
Former Member
I have proven to myself with a lot of testing over the years that more O2 gives me the ability to do more work. I'm not a sprinter and focus on 1650 to 5K open water events. I used to think when I got to the end of longer sets like 4/500+ when my muscles were dead or dying that it was b/c they were fatigued, but in point of fact as soon as I went to mixing in some 2:3 patterns all that went away and I got faster. It also ensures I'm well oxygenated heading into my turns so I can break out and peel off 3 or 4 strokes w/o breathing. Now my lungs are what say 'no mas' not my lats. Coach couldn't argue with the results and his 'must do this breathing pattern' mantra slowly became a non issue. Don't be afraid to experiment with breathing patterns! Coaches hate to be wrong and there is nothing more painful for them than to have to back off one of their core beliefs. I understand that I do. The logical fallacy of an Appeal to Authority knows no bounds. Just b/c a coach is on deck with a whistle(position of authority) doesn't mean they can't be wrong and this breathing pattern thing is the one divergence I ever had with my coach.
I suppose if a swimmer has a poor body position to begin with or they fall on their breathing arm when taking a breath then yes more breathing could end up being detrimental and slow them down. Drag is the demon and adding a bit more air may not compensate for the slowing down with poor mechanics.
Think of this: would you hold your breath periodically on a 5K run? 20 mile bike ride?
I have proven to myself with a lot of testing over the years that more O2 gives me the ability to do more work. I'm not a sprinter and focus on 1650 to 5K open water events. I used to think when I got to the end of longer sets like 4/500+ when my muscles were dead or dying that it was b/c they were fatigued, but in point of fact as soon as I went to mixing in some 2:3 patterns all that went away and I got faster. It also ensures I'm well oxygenated heading into my turns so I can break out and peel off 3 or 4 strokes w/o breathing. Now my lungs are what say 'no mas' not my lats. Coach couldn't argue with the results and his 'must do this breathing pattern' mantra slowly became a non issue. Don't be afraid to experiment with breathing patterns! Coaches hate to be wrong and there is nothing more painful for them than to have to back off one of their core beliefs. I understand that I do. The logical fallacy of an Appeal to Authority knows no bounds. Just b/c a coach is on deck with a whistle(position of authority) doesn't mean they can't be wrong and this breathing pattern thing is the one divergence I ever had with my coach.
I suppose if a swimmer has a poor body position to begin with or they fall on their breathing arm when taking a breath then yes more breathing could end up being detrimental and slow them down. Drag is the demon and adding a bit more air may not compensate for the slowing down with poor mechanics.
Think of this: would you hold your breath periodically on a 5K run? 20 mile bike ride?
