General Discussion Triathlon Talk » One-side breathing, how big of a problem Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2009-02-04 9:17 AM

Master
1963
10005001001001001002525
Subject: One-side breathing, how big of a problem

I really struggle to breathe with my head to the right. I'm honestly not sure why, my neck just does not like it that much. I've been doing a lot of drills to try and force myself to do it. The drills have definitely helped but the truth is when I'm going for true speed I end up defaulting to the comfortable side. My stroke is better and I can get a great rythym.

 So, one side breathing: huge problem, medium problem, or not a problem at all? Thoughts, comments?



2009-02-04 9:20 AM
in reply to: #1944929

User image

Pro
4311
20002000100100100
Texas
Subject: RE: One-side breathing, how big of a problem
Not a problem at all. I've done a HIM doing one-sided breathing and it didn't cause any issues. I will say that it would be handy to be able to breathe on both sides so you can change up depending on the waves & sun, etc.
2009-02-04 9:23 AM
in reply to: #1944929

Master
1963
10005001001001001002525
Subject: RE: One-side breathing, how big of a problem
Thanks for your reply! I appreciate it. That's what I wanted to hear. I definitely CAN breathe on the opposite side but if I don't have to well....Smile
2009-02-04 9:27 AM
in reply to: #1944929

User image

Expert
1023
1000
Malvern, England
Subject: RE: One-side breathing, how big of a problem

I agree with the other reply.  It is nice to be able to breathe both sides so practice it to make sure you can keep doing it - in case you need it due to waves or keeping eye on buoy etc but from a practical point of view I usually breathe one side only for pretty much all my races.  It's how I'm fastest

Edited to explain buoy comment - I didn't mean sighting (that's completely different!).  Actually I sight rarely as I try and find a person swimming straight and follow feet.  However at Lake Placid they had this underwater line with occasional buoy things and I found that very useful to follow in the chaos - but it meant breathing on my non preferred side.



Edited by jackjack 2009-02-04 9:51 AM
2009-02-04 9:29 AM
in reply to: #1944929

User image

Folsom, CA (Sacramento Area)
Subject: RE: One-side breathing, how big of a problem
One side breathing is one of my bad habits that after a lot of years of competitive swimming/training can't get rid of it (always concentrated in back and breast strokes). It has its advantages but it works just fine for me. I am used to it and it works.

Good luck
2009-02-04 9:29 AM
in reply to: #1944929

User image

Not a Coach
11473
5000500010001001001001002525
Media, PA
Subject: RE: One-side breathing, how big of a problem

It's not a problem to breathe to one side...

BUT, from what you posted, it sounds like you have balance issues breathing to the other side.  This most likely means there is an issue with your stroke whether breathing to that side or not.  I would continue to work on it even if you do most of your breathing to your comfortable side.  Some alternate side breathing is probably a good idea, at least when you are not focusing on pushing the pace.



2009-02-04 9:34 AM
in reply to: #1944929

User image

Master
1318
1000100100100
Houston
Subject: RE: One-side breathing, how big of a problem

I agree with the others, not necessary to breath to both sides but for some racing conditions it can help. 

You mentioned your neck hurting when breathing to the other side, you might not be rotating your body as much to that side which is causing you to turn your neck more to get the breath.  Might be something to pay attention to and fix regardless of which side you breath on...

2009-02-04 9:36 AM
in reply to: #1944929

Master
1963
10005001001001001002525
Subject: RE: One-side breathing, how big of a problem

Thanks for all the prompt replies! Great community here!

 I am definitely not going to give up on the other side breathing. JohnnyKay and evondo bring up good points. I am definitely working on my rotation and stroke on the opposite side. As I'm sure all of you feel, time is always a premium so I didn't want to spend TONS of time on this if it's not a huge issue.

 



Edited by merlin2375 2009-02-04 9:37 AM
2009-02-04 9:37 AM
in reply to: #1944932

User image

New user
6

Subject: RE: One-side breathing, how big of a problem


Edited by mtnchic 2009-02-04 9:43 AM
2009-02-04 9:43 AM
in reply to: #1944929

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2009-02-04 9:45 AM
in reply to: #1944929

Master
1651
10005001002525
Breckenridge, CO
Subject: RE: One-side breathing, how big of a problem
I've been breathing right-only through many years of competitive swimming, six previous years of tri when I was young, and one year of tri last season. Many of the distance swimmers in the olympics also breathed to only one side.

I think the argument of non-symmetrical muscle development is legitimate but not the sighting issue. IMO, the most important thing for an OWS is whether or not you swim in a straight line. For a FOP swimmer like me, I usually just find some feet of another in my wave and/or sight off another swimmer in my wave to my right. Anyone in my wave that can keep up with me is also swimming a straight line.

Edited by breckview 2009-02-04 9:46 AM


2009-02-04 9:51 AM
in reply to: #1944929

Veteran
162
1002525
Austin
Subject: RE: One-side breathing, how big of a problem
I'm a one-side breather. I breathe to my left, but have been experiencing shoulder/rotator cuff issues on the right side only after swimming. the pain is mainly below and rear of the shoulder blade. I have suspected that the asymmetry of my stroke is a contributing factor but havent had an offical review-diagnosis. If it doesn't hurt, I say go for it.
2009-02-04 10:09 AM
in reply to: #1944929

Subject: RE: One-side breathing, how big of a problem
I have a swimming background, and breathe to both sides.  I have my preference, but am really comfortable with either side.  However, I found in the 3 tris I have done I was breathing on my comfortable side, only rotating to sight.  I would say practice both sides so you can alternate if necessary (sighting, waves, etc).  But I personally think being comfortable is important.   There are so many "things" going on in a race, why add pressure to do something you are not comfortable with.
2009-02-04 10:53 AM
in reply to: #1944929

Extreme Veteran
565
5002525
Jenison , MI
Subject: RE: One-side breathing, how big of a problem
I can do either side just fine and if I think about it the right side "feels" better, maybe because I'm right handed? I don't know, what I do know is that I'm faster if I'm only breathing on one side then I am if I'm breathing on both. So what I do when in the pool is I always breath to the same side of the pool (the side the clock is on) so when I start a lap I'm breathing on my left, flip to return and now I'm breathing on my right.
2009-02-04 11:11 AM
in reply to: #1944929

Champion
6962
500010005001001001001002525
Atlanta, Ga
Subject: RE: One-side breathing, how big of a problem

Practice it.  It's a simple thing to do and it will increase the tool in your bag come race day.  Simply breath to the same wall at the pool and you will eventually be able to breath easily to each side. 

I have a preferred side, but found it really easy to switch depending on what I needed on race day.  Increase the tool bag.

2009-02-04 11:21 AM
in reply to: #1945206

Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: One-side breathing, how big of a problem

Bilateral breathing, IMO, is just a nice tool to have in the bag.

I still do 90% of my breathing on my right side.  It keeps my stroke smoother and I can get better air.

However, I have NEEDED to switch sides in a race when getting pounded by waves.  So it's still VERY good to know how (maybe like changing a tire quickly?).



2009-02-04 11:35 AM
in reply to: #1945229

Elite
4048
2000200025
Gilbert, Az.
Subject: RE: One-side breathing, how big of a problem
Aikidoman - 2009-02-04 10:21 AM

Bilateral breathing, IMO, is just a nice tool to have in the bag.

I still do 90% of my breathing on my right side. It keeps my stroke smoother and I can get better air.

However, I have NEEDED to switch sides in a race when getting pounded by waves. So it's still VERY good to know how (maybe like changing a tire quickly?).

All of the above stuff is good, and there is another good reason for learning to breathe bilaterally.

Comfort in the water. If you can't easily breathe to your left, and all of a sudden in a race you have to do that, you are going to be uncomfortable, fight with it, and in all likelihood, not have a great swim. If you know you can do it if need be, you won't be freaked when you do have to do it.

That actually goes for almost anything. The more you bike and try different things, the more comfortable you will be in a bike. (Pack riding the first time I almost clawed my way out of my skin I was so twitchy). If you aren't used to running in a crowd, the first time you swap elbows on the run it'll get to you.

Theres a reason kids play minnows and whales during swim team practice, and it isn't to develop lungs, it's to get comfortable in the water. (semi-drowning your teammates is just a bonus :D)

John 

2009-02-04 12:20 PM
in reply to: #1944929

Champion
4942
2000200050010010010010025
Richmond, VA
Subject: RE: One-side breathing, how big of a problem

I find that I swim slightly faster by breathing out of both sides.  My guess it is in-part because when I breathe left side only (I'm left handed), I tend to ease-up on my right-hand stroke in the water and pause more then I should to breathe.  But when I alternate, I get on to a rhythum and tend to swim slightly faster (talking a difference of 3 seconds or so per 100 yards).

But I confess, absent forcing myself to do it, I breathe left-side only out of fear of not getting my mouth out  of the water and swallowing water instead of taking in air.

2009-02-04 12:30 PM
in reply to: #1944929

Expert
815
500100100100
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: One-side breathing, how big of a problem

Not a huge problem, but can become one. I only breathed to the left for the past 9 months, and started getting some serious shoulder pain on one side.  Now I breathe to one side of the pool at all times, therefore alternating which side of my body I breathe on depending on which direction I am going. Not totally sure how much the sided breathing hurt the shoulder, but it does feel better now that I switched.

Just takes practice, you'll get it! 

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » One-side breathing, how big of a problem Rss Feed