I've been self coaching, lap swimming for one year. I often see people swimming under water for at least a few lengths. Why?
Do you gain endurance/stamina with this drill. Personally I just finish my workout doing 10 x 25 sprints and try to limit my breaths.
As I understand it, the impulse to breathe is driven by the buildup of CO2 in the bloodstream (not lack of oxygen). If you force your body to "get used to" the sensation and to ignore the urge (somewhat) of having to breathe, it can come in useful during racing, especially during finishing.
Not breathing for a 50 sprint or keeping your head down during the last 10-12 yards/meters of a longer race may help you knock off a few competitors.
We'll sometimes do 8 to 12 - 25's without a breath on 25 to 30 seconds at the end of workout just to acclimate ourselves.
And, yes, it can be dangerous so do not hyperventilate prior to performing the exercise and let the lifeguard/coaches know what you are up to.
As I understand it, the impulse to breathe is driven by the buildup of CO2 in the bloodstream (not lack of oxygen). If you force your body to "get used to" the sensation and to ignore the urge (somewhat) of having to breathe, it can come in useful during racing, especially during finishing.
Not breathing for a 50 sprint or keeping your head down during the last 10-12 yards/meters of a longer race may help you knock off a few competitors.
We'll sometimes do 8 to 12 - 25's without a breath on 25 to 30 seconds at the end of workout just to acclimate ourselves.
And, yes, it can be dangerous so do not hyperventilate prior to performing the exercise and let the lifeguard/coaches know what you are up to.
