Does anyone know about the technical advantages and disadvantages of breathing to the side for butterfly swimming? I recently had a spinal fusion (L5-S1) for a fractured vertebrae and was considering switching from front to side breathing because I thought it might take some stress off my lower back.
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I believe that I remember reading an article at www.usswim.org about the differences. they concluded that there were no real advantages between either.
Personally, I'll swim a 200 with a bit of a side breath to help reduce the load on my upper back and neck. One thing to watch for if you do side breathe is twisting, or not being symmetrical (one arm lower than the other), if your body's twisted, you're negating the effort. so train with someone watching, or tape yourself...
sorry, i can't find the link but i know it's out there...
I believe that I remember reading an article at www.usswim.org about the differences. they concluded that there were no real advantages between either.
Personally, I'll swim a 200 with a bit of a side breath to help reduce the load on my upper back and neck. One thing to watch for if you do side breathe is twisting, or not being symmetrical (one arm lower than the other), if your body's twisted, you're negating the effort. so train with someone watching, or tape yourself...
sorry, i can't find the link but i know it's out there...
