Unlock Your Swimming Potential: Start with the Right Breathing Technique

Why is learning to swim underwater, holding your breath, a bad idea? It has to do with how your brain learns. Every time you learn something new, your brain makes habits and pathways. If you learn to swim by holding your breath, you will be teaching yourself to associate being in the water with tension and panic. Keeping your mouth closed to hold your breath makes your face and throat tense, which makes it harder to breathe and can lead to choking. Also, while you hold your breath, carbon dioxide increases in your body, causing your brain to react with panic.

Instead of holding your breath, learn to exhale smoothly underwater. Blowing bubbles keeps your face and airway relaxed, making it easier to breathe and no feeling of panic in your system. Exhaling helps your body rid itself of carbon dioxide so that you can stay calm and comfortable in the water.

It's very important to begin with good habits. Proper exhalation sets you up for success and prevents you from ever having to break bad habits later on. That approach to learning creates a positive and confident foundation in your swimming.