Bilateral Breathing

[Selkie]

My problem is that I'm very uncomfortable getting my head high enough or in the correct position to breath on my weak side. I'm trying to get used to rotating more to the left, but I've attempted to breathe on that side only a couple times.

I found a lady who teaches TI at $65 a lesson (includes lesson & pool fee)--I'm seriously taking a class and seeing if it's worth it to continue. She recommends taking at least 5 to learn/do the drills and incorporate it all into freestyle.

Thanks everyone for the advice. I'll keep working at it in the meantime.

[alpinerabbit]

You probably know that you do not turn your head to breathe. You turn your body. If it is uncomfortable, it's probably a balance issue - how you balance in the water. The drills taught in TI can adjust this.

You can also try to think "breathe into your armpit". When the Elbow is highest.

[katluvr]

Body roll.
I just had Tri swimming class last night (not sure if it is TI based) but all the triatheletes go to "Coach Joe".
Body roll helps get our arms out and also roll to breath.
He doesn't even work on bilateral breathing until he can get his students head down and a good body roll.

[katluvr]

Oh yeah one other thing...are you blowing out your entire breath BEFORE you come up to breathe? That is a hard one for me.

[colby]

One of the body roll drills my coach had me use was putting a kickboard between my thighs above my knees like a fin, and feeling it "slap" the water. It should slap at even intervals on the right and the left as you swim. It also helps me become really aware of tight hip flexors - I have a new respect for how your hips move apart when you swim.

I have also practiced taking 3 strokes then rolling to my back, taking 3 strokes then rolling to my stomach, then on the way back doing it the opposite way (start with the other arm).

[Alex]

Here's a promo video on YouTube of the TI DVD on breathing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RvmeHdNNL8

We have the DVD and I found it quite helpful. Probably best for beginners, though.

Alex

[Selkie]

Thanks for the tips!