Hypoxic training for Masters?

While there are differing opinions on the value of hypoxic training, one of the best thing about Masters is that you can choose what to do. So if you do not feel comfortable with hypoxic sets, then I heartily recommend that you alter them to fit your comfort level.

I do not do hypoxic sets when they are called in workouts. We have 1 person (me usually) per lane watch the others in their lane while they do them in case they pass out. :angel:

I do breath control sets, and I am older than that. It took a long time to be comfortable and not panic. I still breathe when I need to, but try to extend the breath over a few more strokes - generally at end of practice, when tissues are well oxygenated. Unless and until you feel ready, ignore it. :)

I sometimes do breath control sets with my lap swim class (all ages). Most often, especially with my more beginner swimmers, I let them choose what is challenging for them. If breathing 5 times during a 25 is challenging for them, great. I always let them know that they don't want to do anything dangerous (as I don't want to have to go in after them). I never ever do sets of "no-breathers" like we used to when I was a kid.

Unless and until you feel ready, ignore it. Probably the best advice. Only do what you're comfortable with. Some people can do 50 yard no-breathers, other might struggle to only breathe every three strokes. If you think you can do the hypoxic sets as written, do them, if not do what you can. But keep in mind it's supposed to hurt a little! :)

Ignore the coach, listen to the MD.

One thing I learn while doing "controlled breathing" sets is how to swim relaxed and economically not using ANY extra effort. It's important to do controlled breathing sets to learn how to do fast turns where you don't get water up your nose AND still have enough air for a decent streamline. The "contest" stuff to see how far you can go underwater is bad news. In the old days I've seen coaches run across the deck and leap flying over 3 laneropes to do a water rescue of kids who black out and sink doing long no-breathers. Thank goodness I haven't witnessed a fatality yet.

A lot of swimmers die from strokes in the pool? Where the hell are the life guards??

I personally don't like hypoxic sets and don't do them. Very interesting coming from you! I recall Dave Berkoff mentioning doing ridiculous breath control sets in the '80s under Bernal. Did you do this kind of training in those days?

I have noticed quite a few Masters swimmers dying from strokes. I'll take this as an expression of fear. Some random stats, picked up from unchecked Internet pages: Stroke is no. 3 cause of death (and some of those folks are likely Masters swimmers). Nearly 3/4 occur in ppl 65 and older. Smoking is a big risk factor. But "death while swimming" search pulls up such interesting tidbits as choking on a fish swallowed whole while swimming, cold urticaria, drowning, and other anomalies. Here is CDC's no. of deaths by leading cause, U.S., 2005: Heart disease: 652,091 Cancer: 559,312 Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 143,579 Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 130,933 Accidents (unintentional injuries): 117,809 Diabetes: 75,119 Alzheimer's disease: 71,599 Influenza/Pneumonia: 63,001 Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis: 43,901 Septicemia: 34,136 Separate from genetic causes of heart disease, plus environmental factors, swimming contributes greatly to a healthy cardiopulmonary system. Swimming also helps one cultivate social relationships, an important factor in longevity. :)