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
Bi-lateral breathing means being able to roll and take breaths on both sides. If you breath every 3 strokes you will breath on opposite sides each time. Some swimmers feel they have a more balanced stroke if they can bi-lateral breath. If you swim ow it can be helpful because you can see both ways without stopping and lifting your head.
It also prevents sore necks that swimmers develop when they tend to breath more to one side than the other. (me)
Bi-lateral breathing means being able to roll and take breaths on both sides. If you breath every 3 strokes you will breath on opposite sides each time. Some swimmers feel they have a more balanced stroke if they can bi-lateral breath. If you swim ow it can be helpful because you can see both ways without stopping and lifting your head.
It also prevents sore necks that swimmers develop when they tend to breath more to one side than the other. (me)
