Out of breath while swimming?

Question

I haven't been swimming for years. I've started again this summer, and I've been going once or twice a week for a few weeks.

But I can't go more than 50 meters or so before I completely run out of breath and have to stop.

Am I doing something wrong?

Answer 1

it happens

Answer 2

you are doing nothing wrong, just you need to build up your stamina. Maybe try to breath more often.

Answer 3

First of all, you have to see if your doing whatever stroke your doing correctly which has a massive impact on your running out of breath. Also take a breathe every 2 strokes as in breathe on 1 side. Don't hold your breathe for more than that.

Answer 4

Wow me too! I think you need to practice building your endurance.

Answer 5

Same sort of thing is happening to me, but just in the last week or so.

All this week (July 28-Aug 1), I just cannot seem to get enough air. I have allergy problems and maybe something has changed in the air or in the pool area at my YMCA.

My situation is after 400-600 meters I just can't seem to get enough air. Then I stop for a minute and go another 200-400 meters, it seems OK.

Any ideas on my situation?

Answer 6

Nope your lungs arnt use to holding your breath for that long. Just keep doing that like go as far as you can and pop up, youll eventually be able to hold it for longer.

Answer 7

Nope, same thing happened to me. A year and a half (almost) ago, I used to be on a swimming team, swimming up to almost 1km without stopping (I get daily practice). Now, I tried swimming again, and like you, couldn't make it past 50 meters! Weird, huh?

Happens to everyone! Just keep swimming, and you'll get back your game.

Answer 8

nope you just need to get the hang of it again since you stopped swimming for years

good luck :]

Answer 9

Sounds like you just need to recondition yourself and build up your stamina. I'm sure once you get a regular routine going, you'll be fine.

Somewhat similar situation: I live on the third floor. When I starting living there, I was always out of breath when I got to the top. Now I can run up the stairs no problem.