I've been reading past posts and threads on breathing bilaterally. We have a wealth of information here on the pros and cons. I've decided I want to breathe to both sides, but am having some problems getting there.
When I'm fresh, I think I'm doing ok. I feel like I'm rolling enough that I'm not turning my head too much and grabbing a nice breath, weak and strong side alike.
When I begin to tire, my weak side breathing falls apart. I feel like I'm sinking - I know I am, because I'm lifting my head up to catch a quick unsatisfying breath that's half water. I can feel that my arm is dropping as I'm pushing my head out of the water. I know my hips are sinking too: I noticed when I did a short set with a pull-bouy today after tiring, I felt like I had all the time in the world to breath on my weak side.
I would like your thoughts on (1) what is breaking down on me, where the weaknesses are and (2) other than keeping at it with the hopes of getting stronger, is there anything specifically I can attend to or any drills to help me isolate the problems.
Even if you just tell me that the struglle is all part of the process, I'll be grateful for any feedback you can provide. Many thanks - Barb
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Former Member
Barb
When I first tried bilateral breathing it felt very akward and I wasn't getting enough air. I was having alot of muscle problems in my upper back and shoulders. I decided to practice breathing on my left side on one lenght then switching to the right coming back. After doing this for over a year, my muscle imbalances and shoulder problem had gone away.
About 2 weeks ago I was visiting with a friend at the pool and he was talking about having pain in his upper back. His wife, a swimmer also, told him that he should learn bilateral breathing. My friend was practicing bilateral breathing, even though he was struggling with getting enough air. After talking with my friend, I decided that I should make the switch to bilateral breathing (if he could do it so could I)! Too my surprize, I found that it was no big deal for me now. After a year, I apparently had developed the lung on my weak side. I've been bilateral swimming for a little over two weeks now and it feels great. I feel like my swimming is much more balanced.
Good luck and hang in there. ;)
Paul
Barb
When I first tried bilateral breathing it felt very akward and I wasn't getting enough air. I was having alot of muscle problems in my upper back and shoulders. I decided to practice breathing on my left side on one lenght then switching to the right coming back. After doing this for over a year, my muscle imbalances and shoulder problem had gone away.
About 2 weeks ago I was visiting with a friend at the pool and he was talking about having pain in his upper back. His wife, a swimmer also, told him that he should learn bilateral breathing. My friend was practicing bilateral breathing, even though he was struggling with getting enough air. After talking with my friend, I decided that I should make the switch to bilateral breathing (if he could do it so could I)! Too my surprize, I found that it was no big deal for me now. After a year, I apparently had developed the lung on my weak side. I've been bilateral swimming for a little over two weeks now and it feels great. I feel like my swimming is much more balanced.
Good luck and hang in there. ;)
Paul
