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?
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."
Not to oversimplify this, but lately I have been consciously thinking about taking a deep breath on my last breath before each turn. When I remember to do it, and when I am able get a good, deep breath, my turns are a lot crisper and it's substantially easier to keep my head down on the first stroke.
I think it's fairly easy to get into a pattern of shallow, rhythmic breathing while swimming, even while swimming fairly fast. If turns break that rhythm, you can find yourself out of breath in pretty short order.
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."
Not to oversimplify this, but lately I have been consciously thinking about taking a deep breath on my last breath before each turn. When I remember to do it, and when I am able get a good, deep breath, my turns are a lot crisper and it's substantially easier to keep my head down on the first stroke.
I think it's fairly easy to get into a pattern of shallow, rhythmic breathing while swimming, even while swimming fairly fast. If turns break that rhythm, you can find yourself out of breath in pretty short order.
