I've been wanting to start this thread for a while-- we have one about flutter kicking, SDK, and speed. If I may be so bold, I'd like to see one on how to improve your capacity for hypoxic sets.
After getting back into swimming about 4 months ago, I have noticed a decrease in my ability to handle hypoxic sets, and in general, in my ability to stay underwater for any significant length of time. I find myself trying to get to the surface as soon as possible after turning at the wall so I can get some air. I know this is slowing me down significantly.
As for breathing while actually swimming, I seem to have no problems-- I am pretty much a bilateral breather (every three strokes). It's when I'm coming into the wall or leaving the wall where I have problems, as I can't seem to hold my breath and am always breaking the cardinal rule of not breathing while in the "red zone."
We do at least one hypoxic set per day, and not surprisingly, I usually have problems (although I do try to make it).
Any tips for how to improve, or does this just come with practice and increased aerobic capacity?
Parents
Former Member
This one of those topics that have believer and doubters about the value of hypoxic swimming.
A couple of thoughts. Instead of taking your last breath before the turn, somewhere outside the flags, take your last breath right as you pass under the flags. This will give you plenty of time to get the head back down before the turn, plus you will get one more breath before you disappear under the water for a bit.
Another idea that may work even better, instead of holding your breath as you turn and come off the wall, make sure you are exhaling into the water. Don't blow everything out at one time, but make it a gradual exhale. You may find that your lungs are screaming as bad for air, since you will be getting rid of more of the bad stuff in the lungs.
One thing we use to do in practice was called "Tennessee Turns" Swim to the flags, as your approach the flags, grab a quick breath, then go completely underwater to the wall, turn, push off and don't breath until you get past the flags again.
From a mental standpoint, if you develop that trick, you may find it becoming easier on you while actually swimming into and out of the turns.
This one of those topics that have believer and doubters about the value of hypoxic swimming.
A couple of thoughts. Instead of taking your last breath before the turn, somewhere outside the flags, take your last breath right as you pass under the flags. This will give you plenty of time to get the head back down before the turn, plus you will get one more breath before you disappear under the water for a bit.
Another idea that may work even better, instead of holding your breath as you turn and come off the wall, make sure you are exhaling into the water. Don't blow everything out at one time, but make it a gradual exhale. You may find that your lungs are screaming as bad for air, since you will be getting rid of more of the bad stuff in the lungs.
One thing we use to do in practice was called "Tennessee Turns" Swim to the flags, as your approach the flags, grab a quick breath, then go completely underwater to the wall, turn, push off and don't breath until you get past the flags again.
From a mental standpoint, if you develop that trick, you may find it becoming easier on you while actually swimming into and out of the turns.
