Why Breathwork for Swimmers?

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Most swimmers focus on fitness, technique, strength training, or time in the pool, but breathing is often overlooked.

We take about 25,000 breaths a day without thinking, but how we breathe has a huge impact on our energy, stress levels, focus, and even how well we sleep. Many of us develop poor breathing habits for a range of reasons and we carry these into the pool, leaving us more fatigued, tense or breathless than necessary, affecting our swim technique, endurance, speed and recovery.

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This workshop will help you discover how you can use your breath:

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1. as a powerful performance enhancer in your swimming without needing to train harder or longer

2. to boost your overall health and wellbeing by improving your daily breathing patterns.

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You will learn to optimise your daily breathing habits for improved physical and mental health and more efficient breathing when swimming!

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The Science

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Recent research shows that 90% of athletes, across different sports, showed signs of dysfunctional breathing that can limit endurance, slow recovery, increase fatigue, and impact overall health. The researchers concluded that this can not only impact performance but also health and there is a need to raise awareness of proper breathing techniques among both athletes and coaches, and athletes should undertake functional breathing training to enhance their performance and overall health.

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How we breathe on land, at rest or during light physical activity, directly affects how we breathe during sleep and physical exercise. If your breathing is slightly inefficient on land, it will hold you back in the water and affect your long-term health. Many of us are breathing to survive rather than to thrive.

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Targeted breathing techniques can help you:

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• improve focus and concentration (reduce brain fog!)

• boost energy levels

• feel calmer and more relaxed on land and in the water

• boost endurance and reduce breathlessness

• improve postural stability on land and in the water

• support deeper, more restorative sleep better (reduce or stop snoring, reduce risk of sleep apnea) 

• enjoy swimming with greater ease and flow

• recover more quickly after physical activity

 

What You will Learn

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This hands-on workshop blends classroom sessions introducing the science behind efficient breathing, guided breathing techniques and pool-based exercises (front crawl focus). Together, we will:

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• Become aware of your current daily breathing patterns and how they may be impacting your wellbeing

• Explore how breathing affects your swimming and how to find ease in the water

• Learn land-based breathing exercises to improve your breathing mechanics and CO2 tolerance

• Learn how to use the breath as a tool for relaxation, focus and recovery

• Explore how to easily integrate breath training into your swimming and everyday life​

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Who is this workshop for?

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Swimmers of all levels who can swim at least 100m front crawl and who either:

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• Struggle with the mechanics and coordination of breathing in freestyle

• Feel breathless after a few lengths and do not know how to improve this

• Are a seasoned triathlete, marathon or Masters swimmer looking for ways to improve their endurance, speed and recovery

• Are curious about how breathing can support your health, relaxation and enjoyment of swimming

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Your Coaches

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Marianne Johnson

Advanced Oxygen Advantage (breathing) Instructor and Advanced Swim Mastery Coach (www.weightlessswimming.co.uk)

​​Marianne discovered the power of functional breathing after realising her own daily breathing patterns

were holding back her swimming and her health. Now she is passionate about helping all swimmers transform

their swimming and their wellbeing by learning to breathe more efficiently on land and in the water.

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​Kath Lambert

ASA Level 2 Teacher and ASA Level 2 Open Water Coach (www.swimandtonic.uk)

With 20+ years of experience coaching and a lifetime in the water, Kath brings a deep understanding of

stroke mechanics and body awareness, influenced by her practice of yoga, Pilates and mindfulness, to help

swimmers find breathing in swimming more natural. 

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Workshop Details

Format: mix of classroom, land-based breathing technique practice and pool sessions

​Focus: front crawl stroke

Extras: Tea, coffee and a light buffet lunch will be provided

​​​​​​​​​Suitability: able to swim at least 100m front crawl minimum

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If you have any questions about your suitability for this workshop, please don't hesitate to contact us HERE.

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Join us to discover how better breathing can transform your swimming and your life!