Our coach advises against Hypoxic training for older masters swimmers, as its not possible to develop or even delay the diminishment of lung capacity in ageing swimmers.
That said, I train for 50 free, and my goal is to take as few breaths as possible. So in training we do the same when dive start sprinting. While it may not improve lung capacity, you get a feel for how long you can swim at top speed without a breath, prior to CO2 accumulation impacting performance. I'm down to one breath per 50 - I could finish the 50 without breathing but find I'm too focused on the pain of wanting to breathe than finishing the race strong with good form.
I also find it helps to have full lungs for a little extra buoyancy.
There's a good article on the subject here:
www.alexandriamasters.com/.../hypoxic.htm
First of all, "older masters swimmers" have as much potential for improving conditioning as anyone else. If a swimmer practices breathing every 3rd or every 5th stroke, they can develop the capacity for such a breathing pattern, regardless of their age.
Second, the idea that holding on to your breath gives you extra buoyancy is inaccurate. Many beginner swimmers tend to hold on to their breath underwater constantly and it only increases their anxiety and fatigue. Holding on to the breath, instead of controlled exhalation, also makes the swimmer more tense in the water. Controlled exhalation allows them to relax and prepare to take the next breath in a more fluid manner.
This is a good drill to help vary your breathing.
www.youtube.com/watch
Our coach advises against Hypoxic training for older masters swimmers, as its not possible to develop or even delay the diminishment of lung capacity in ageing swimmers.
That said, I train for 50 free, and my goal is to take as few breaths as possible. So in training we do the same when dive start sprinting. While it may not improve lung capacity, you get a feel for how long you can swim at top speed without a breath, prior to CO2 accumulation impacting performance. I'm down to one breath per 50 - I could finish the 50 without breathing but find I'm too focused on the pain of wanting to breathe than finishing the race strong with good form.
I also find it helps to have full lungs for a little extra buoyancy.
There's a good article on the subject here:
www.alexandriamasters.com/.../hypoxic.htm
First of all, "older masters swimmers" have as much potential for improving conditioning as anyone else. If a swimmer practices breathing every 3rd or every 5th stroke, they can develop the capacity for such a breathing pattern, regardless of their age.
Second, the idea that holding on to your breath gives you extra buoyancy is inaccurate. Many beginner swimmers tend to hold on to their breath underwater constantly and it only increases their anxiety and fatigue. Holding on to the breath, instead of controlled exhalation, also makes the swimmer more tense in the water. Controlled exhalation allows them to relax and prepare to take the next breath in a more fluid manner.
This is a good drill to help vary your breathing.
www.youtube.com/watch
