I teach lessons to a forty year old woman who is having a very hard time breathing. I have been teaching lessons for about ten years and I cannot figure out why she is having such a hard time. She seems to breathe in the correct amount of oxygen and then she slowly exhales through her nose and mouth before breathing again. She has to breathe every two strokes in order to get enough oxygen but even then after a 50 her lungs are burning. She can swim a 1650 in about 35 minutes and she can swim it without stopping but her lungs get tired before anything else. I have had her swim 25's without breathing and she can do that. I am completely stumped as to what her problem is. Any suggestions? Thanks
Parents
Former Member
Ah yes, backstroke. The freedom to breathe, and suck in all the air and water you can stand. This sounds like a good idea. It may even help the freestyle. Both are long axis strokes and have the same concept in mind. One must roll to do them well. Some of the most accomplished freestylers are also backstrokers. It also provides some relief to the worn out freestyle muscles.
Have you ever seen the training snorkel? It looks quite ridiculous, but I imagine it would allow a swimmer unlimited breathing which in turn would give the ability to concentrate on stroke movements and proper body posture. No more favoring one side and creating the inevitable "lope" in the stroke because that head is clean out of the water looking for every ounce of oxygen that the mouth will vacuum up before the recovery arm jams your face back in the blue yonder.
Perhaps your student is getting a bit winded because they're simply not in the best shape? Maybe the interval is too tight? How about trying one lap swim, one lap drill. Kicking on the side is a great way to recover from being winded, and it will also teach good balance in the water.
Ah yes, backstroke. The freedom to breathe, and suck in all the air and water you can stand. This sounds like a good idea. It may even help the freestyle. Both are long axis strokes and have the same concept in mind. One must roll to do them well. Some of the most accomplished freestylers are also backstrokers. It also provides some relief to the worn out freestyle muscles.
Have you ever seen the training snorkel? It looks quite ridiculous, but I imagine it would allow a swimmer unlimited breathing which in turn would give the ability to concentrate on stroke movements and proper body posture. No more favoring one side and creating the inevitable "lope" in the stroke because that head is clean out of the water looking for every ounce of oxygen that the mouth will vacuum up before the recovery arm jams your face back in the blue yonder.
Perhaps your student is getting a bit winded because they're simply not in the best shape? Maybe the interval is too tight? How about trying one lap swim, one lap drill. Kicking on the side is a great way to recover from being winded, and it will also teach good balance in the water.
