<\/span><\/h3>\nMost swimmers don\u2019t have to be told to inhale, but many must be reminded to exhale.\u00a0 If it takes too long to take a full breath, your breathing can actually slow your stroke rate.\u00a0 It can also lead to increased frontal drag if the breath causes the recovery arm to cross over the body or if the head comes out of the water too much.\u00a0 This is not something a swimmer likes to hear.\u00a0 So, in response many swimmers tend to hold their breath for an extended period of time, but this is a very dangerous tactic.<\/p>\n
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In order for the muscles to function, oxygen needs to be delivered to the body.\u00a0 Oxygen increases energy and speed for swimmers to keep their pace.\u00a0 As the body uses oxygen, it creates carbon dioxide (CO2<\/sub>).\u00a0 As CO2<\/sub> builds up in the body, it senses this and the brain tells you that you need to breathe.\u00a0 The out of breath feeling we experience as humans is not from a lack of oxygen, but from an excess of CO2<\/sub>.\u00a0 Swimmers who don\u2019t exhale properly tend to feel winded very quickly, and their muscles fail to recover or function at the same rate.\u00a0 This can cause you to lose your race, or worse can cause injury.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
So, go ahead; breathe in and breathe out<\/em>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/span>Breathing Through the Nose<\/span><\/h3>\nBreathing is different when you are swimming \u2013 you inhale through your mouth and exhale through your nose.\u00a0 Exhalation while swimming happens under water.\u00a0 It is important to note that exhaling lasts up to two or three times longer than inhaling.<\/p>\n
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Here are some key tips to optimize your exhalation through your nose:<\/p>\n
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