Held breath underwater swimming, am i doing it right?

Question

hey everyone, i have JUST taken up held breath underwater swimming. today i swam for half an hour and did about 12 or 13 lengths (25 yards each) total. i am 17 years old and have average lung capacity, but am trying to improve it. i have to say, towards the end of each length my lungs want air and my mouth seems to go through the motions of breathing- so it is challenging. but am i doing enough? too much? should i be doing it longer- that is, more lenghts or longer underwater? is half an hour a day sufficient? thanks for the input :)

Answer 1

take voice lessons...lol that will definately help your lung capacity

Answer 2

hey i'm a swimmer and i know what can help you.

basically for a week (or more or less) you could do freestyle and breathe every 2-3 strokes. Slowly increase the number and soon breathe every 5 or even 7 as time goes on.

The trick is not to hold you breath underwater... you have to slowly release bubbles.

Hope this helps =]

Answer 3

Here's some tips.

Breath consistently. I always see swimmers go half way across the pool not breathing at all, then breath every stroke and stumble to the wall. Breath consistently, I have found every 3-4 strokes works best for me.

Swim more. I can swim for miles and miles at a competitive pace, but if I don't swim for 3 weeks I breath heavily after 500 yards (20 laps).

Do breathing exercises while swimming: After a flip turn (or regular turn) go 6 (or any number) strokes before you take your first breath, and then limit your breathing to every 4-5 strokes. After a few laps you'll feel your lungs exploding but its good for you.

Just swim more and it'll be easier. Also, technique has a LOT to do with how hard it is to swim. "Newbie" swimmers who swim with their head out of the water and flailing their arms is like someone trying to go running with flip flops on and a weight on your back. Technique is EVERYTHING in swimming, especially endurance.

Answer 4

Kenny is half right i kinda disagree because if you practice going across the pool without breathing youll get more stamina