I just recently started swimming. I am 57, a *** cancer survivor, but was always one to exercise until January when I tore a cartidge in my knee. In search of exercise I could do and not affect my knee, I tried swimming laps and absolutely love, love, love it! I am a pretty good swimmer, but have trouble breathing. I have been swimming for about an hour, three times a week for three months. I feel much stronger as a swimmer now, but can't seem to get past the "can't catch my breath" feeling. Any suggestions would help! Thanks
Another way to work on the breathing aspect is to hold your arms out straight while kicking against the wall. Try to focus on the top of your head being the pivot point so you are not lifting your head to breathe. Most beginning swimmers will lift their head (to varying levels) to get that breath. The more you lift the more you struggle, or atleast that's the way it feels. Once you become comfortable with the breathing against the wall, try it while kicking with a kickboard and then incorporate it into your swimming. Good Luck and remember the hardest part is getting up in the morning to go jump in a cold pool. The next hardest is jumping in the pool. Finally, its the workout. See it's not that hard!
Another way to work on the breathing aspect is to hold your arms out straight while kicking against the wall. Try to focus on the top of your head being the pivot point so you are not lifting your head to breathe. Most beginning swimmers will lift their head (to varying levels) to get that breath. The more you lift the more you struggle, or atleast that's the way it feels. Once you become comfortable with the breathing against the wall, try it while kicking with a kickboard and then incorporate it into your swimming. Good Luck and remember the hardest part is getting up in the morning to go jump in a cold pool. The next hardest is jumping in the pool. Finally, its the workout. See it's not that hard!
