Improving exhalation technique feels so good because:
- It rids the lungs and blood stream of CO2, the build-up of which is what leads to feelings of tension or even panic. Blow the CO2 out into the water and your swimming will feel much more relaxed.
- It makes swimming more aerobic by improving the gas exchange in your lungs.
- It means that when you do go to breathe, you only have to inhale, not exhale and inhale in the short window available to you.
- It reduces the buoyancy in your chest which helps keep your buoyancy balanced, bringing your legs up higher towards the surface.
Exhaling into the water sounds very basic but many swimming instructors have overlooked how important it is for good swimming technique. Try holding your breath for a few seconds while running or cycling and see just how bad it feels! This same principle applies to swimming.
