Hi,
I am a very new adult swimmer, having started learning freestyle in April. I can swim breaststroke well enough to not stop for about 250 yards. But Freestyle really kicks my butt, and after 3 months of practicing everyday, I still cannot do 50 yards non-stop. I can start out breathing every 4 strokes, but halfway through the first 25 yards, I am out of breath and breathing every other stroke. By the time I get through the first 25 yards, I'm practically hyperventilating, and need a good minute to catch my breath. I have asthma, but it's only the freestyle that kills me. Does my body weight have a lot to do with this? (I'm overweight and I'm trying to lose it, and have been swimming 7 days a week, and weight-training 3 days a week) The coaches/instructors I've worked with all say that I have good form in the water for someone who has only just learned the stroke (of course there are things I need to improve on), and that I will improve over time. But it is SO frustrating to not be able to see progress in this area.
Any advice besides being patient and keep swimming??? I would so appreciate it!
Thanks,
Tina
Parents
Former Member
Six years ago, I started swimming in January 2003 - more or less a total beginner. I did breaststroke primarily for about a year, then incorporated freestyle over a six month period. Getting the breathing down is extremely difficult. As others point out, when you move your head to gain air, your legs sink, and that makes swimming much more difficult.
Lessons are a great idea. If you can't get them, be very patient. It takes a long time to get used to an athletic endeavor in which you have to figure out when to breathe.
The good news is that your difficulties are typical and that if you enjoy swimming now, you will enjoy it much more when you have gotten better at breathing in the water.
What im getting at is you have to pace yourself and take short breaths..? Or is there anyway to do freestyle and take a 1-2 sec. breath while maintaining momentum/speed?
Six years ago, I started swimming in January 2003 - more or less a total beginner. I did breaststroke primarily for about a year, then incorporated freestyle over a six month period. Getting the breathing down is extremely difficult. As others point out, when you move your head to gain air, your legs sink, and that makes swimming much more difficult.
Lessons are a great idea. If you can't get them, be very patient. It takes a long time to get used to an athletic endeavor in which you have to figure out when to breathe.
The good news is that your difficulties are typical and that if you enjoy swimming now, you will enjoy it much more when you have gotten better at breathing in the water.
What im getting at is you have to pace yourself and take short breaths..? Or is there anyway to do freestyle and take a 1-2 sec. breath while maintaining momentum/speed?
