I just started swimming with a new group. The coach told me to hold my breath while swimming and only breathe out right before I take my breath. I had always thought you were not supposed to hold your breath while swimming, breathing out slowly while swimming instead. Advice? Thanks
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Former Member
Best not to hold your breath, because if you tighten/squeeze your held breath enough you will accomplish the 'valsalva maneuver', which can result in reduced cardiac output from reduced return of blood to the heart and thus reduced blood flow to the heart and rest of body, wide fluctuations in blood pressure, a heart attack, light headedness and retinal bleeding.
I have noticed better no-breathing drills (eg, sprinting 20 yards without breath) by exhaling during the sprint vs taking a big breath and holding it.
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Former Member
Best not to hold your breath, because if you tighten/squeeze your held breath enough you will accomplish the 'valsalva maneuver', which can result in reduced cardiac output from reduced return of blood to the heart and thus reduced blood flow to the heart and rest of body, wide fluctuations in blood pressure, a heart attack, light headedness and retinal bleeding.
I have noticed better no-breathing drills (eg, sprinting 20 yards without breath) by exhaling during the sprint vs taking a big breath and holding it.
