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Hey everyone, AJ and Lauren here from Aquatics. Each week we will be posting a swim workout on our website and on our Facebook page.
This week’s swim tip is to help with your bilateral breathing, or breathing to both sides as you swim.
If you’re not breathing already breathing bilaterally, it’s never too late to start. Bilateral breathing helps balance your stroke, creates symmetry in back musculature, helps eliminate cramping and increases your oxygen intake, all resulting in a more efficient, faster stroke.
The key to bilateral breathing is proper rotation. If you’re whipping your head around to breathe on your weaker side, your hips will drop and throw off your balance. Here’s how to make bilateral breathing easier
Practice this rotation drill. Start with your body on its side, with the bottom arm extending out in front and the top arm resting on your side. Slowly kick to keep your hips up. Roll and stroke until you are lying on the opposite side.
Breathe freely and check your balance. Then turn your head so your nose points to the bottom, and stay on your side for 10 kicks. Repeat the motion for the length of the pool.
Another way to practice bilateral breathing is to breathe to your weak side in all warm ups, cool downs and slower swimming sets, and to your strong side on main sets. Gradually make the shift to bilateral breathing on main sets.
Let us know your thoughts on this week’s workout by commenting on our Facebook page.