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 just the psychological tolerance of the carbon dioxide.
I'm in agreement with Jazz about this. I'm sure there are ways to "increase capacity," but I think most of this is in our heads. As we practice this type of training, we just become more efficient at breathing out CO2 and breathing in more O2 - and as Jazz points out, more tolerant of the pain of CO2.
It's just the psychological tolerance of the carbon dioxide.
I'm in agreement with Jazz about this. I'm sure there are ways to "increase capacity," but I think most of this is in our heads. As we practice this type of training, we just become more efficient at breathing out CO2 and breathing in more O2 - and as Jazz points out, more tolerant of the pain of CO2.
