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
Parents
Former Member
If you empty the lung completely before breathing in air (as often suggested), you are assuming you will be able to breathe in air the next moment when you have to breathe in; i.e., you would rely on the (hopeful) fact that you will be able to get your mouth out of water the next moment. What if something not in your control happens and you can't get your mouth out of water soon enough (e.g. for some newbie who can't act soon enough, or whatever...) You will be "breathing" in water, no? Because of this concern, I always keep a little "reserve" of air in my lung before breathing in. Is this a justified concern?
If you empty the lung completely before breathing in air (as often suggested), you are assuming you will be able to breathe in air the next moment when you have to breathe in; i.e., you would rely on the (hopeful) fact that you will be able to get your mouth out of water the next moment. What if something not in your control happens and you can't get your mouth out of water soon enough (e.g. for some newbie who can't act soon enough, or whatever...) You will be "breathing" in water, no? Because of this concern, I always keep a little "reserve" of air in my lung before breathing in. Is this a justified concern?
