A Triathlete's 3 Steps to Swim Breathing For Beginners | Triathlon Taren 

I am a 49 year old who struggles with fear of the water. I have decided it is time to learn to swim. This is so helpful!! Thank you!!!!!

I’m happy to say that after like 20 min or so of sink downs! I’m breathing through my nose and it actually feels much better then mouth, I’m not feeling so much at of breath, I feel more relaxed and more confident when water gets in my mouth and nose!! I can’t get to get to the pool again!!

Very helpful- getting that right balance is challenging. When you force out so much air on the exhale, you mentally feel the need to take in a big gasp to replace it. This also explains why I found it so much easier to regulate my breath when I used a buoy between my legs- more relaxed, more horizontal, less waste of oxygen from over kicking.

Thanks for the tune up for a swimmer who swam competitively in High School! Great reminders going forward!

This is massive for me. I have no issue doing the bike and run but I’m out of breath swimming 50 meters. This is why I have not committed to triathlon. I will check the program out. Thankyou very much.

Thanks Taren, it's only been about 6 sessions doing the swim drills you gave me at the trianiac camp, (can I call it Camp David?... never mind) and I'm already running just shy of 15 seconds / 100m faster than when I came to see you! Body is running a lot straighter, (tauntness and alignment improving), breathing is perfect on both sides so quicker breathes as I'm blowing out all the used air prior to lifting my head, and really getting a good aggressive angle with my hand entry (fingers, wrists, elbows), and a better straighter pull. Moving much better and faster thanks to the focused drill set you gave me. Thanks again TT.

Have been training for 7 weeks now, and haven't been able to swim longer than 300 yds. Immediately after doing these breathing exercise for the first time I swam 1200 yds. Could have kept on going but had another engagement. Just order Taren's book, and excited to improve more.

Dude, your tips were fantastic! It's also soothing to hear you talk about swimming.

This beginner videos helped me so much!

This is awesome! I didn't realize so many people have the same issues. I just thought I wasn't meant to swim!

I have much difficulties in breathing.. Very useful video.. I will try it.. Thanks so much.

Just wanted to say thank you for the tips, I have a lot of injuries from working on wild land hand crews. It's hard to run anymore, I followed all your tips and proper form witch was my worst mistakes. At first did I struggled a whole lot and was al the time out of breath. After 3 weeks of 2 time a week swimmimg, I'm happy to say I did 10 laps 25meter pool and didn't seem that hard. Its It's a big difference from when I started because at first I was not capable doing 2 laps with out being out of breath and vanished. Form and proper technique always. Still have issues syncing my feet to arm trokes but working on it.

I realised today (after weeks of practising) why I'm breathless and started doing the sink & breath drill before seeing this video. So thanks as I know I'm on the right track. My coach told me to slow mys stroke but I got breathless and discouraged when I tried that. Maybe now I'll make some progress.

Great Taren! I'm just learning to swim correctly and those things you talk about in the video are I'm doing. I'm gonna try just right now! hahaha

These steps aren't bad for a start. I do like to give newbs long fins to help slow down their kick, and to help with rotation.

Thanks

These drills seem to have some TI inspiration. I like it!

So helpful. Thank you!

I have been trying to swim for almost a year now and still couldn’t swim more than 300 without being exhausted and having to stop or switch to backstroke. 5 minutes of these drills and I swam my first 750 freestyle without stopping! It may have been slow but I was able to do it for the first time ever! Thank you!!!!!

Thanks for the advise! I always feel like I am kicking too much

Thank you! I will practice this stuff tomorrow!

I have this one doubt about breathing out . Should I use my mouth or my nostrils to exhale while I swim . Thank you for the tips 😊

"We do not want to work very hard" haha best advise ever. Thank you😂

Thank you

Hello there! Nice, NICE video. You made me laugh when you were using your fingers to demonstrate panicked kicking in the water! LOL! x) 5:15

For the second excericse, I cannot sink down...😅 don't know why. But I do love your last drill.

Great advice, but is it better to breathe out from your nose or mouth?

Many thanks

This was very informative. My exact problem. I'm going to put this into practice. I have a hard time coming up breathing and that makes everything else difficult. Thank you

I am unable to find the website domain you mentioned in your video

Total Immersion swimming techniques. Even used the same terminology with the superman glide.

How to stop water from entering the airways via the nose. I am exhaling into the water through my nose and inhaling with my mouth, but on inhaling, the water that is left in the nose is entering my airways. This is the only thing that is stopping me. I am starting to choke and have to stop, stand and cough. Thanks

i learned that i should blow bubbles easy when head is under water and only hard right before taking a breath. which is correct?

So, are you saying it’s best to blow out as hard as I can when swimming freestyle, or should I gradually blow out? I’m thinking that may be my problem, plus my panicking.

From this video, the best tip to rememember is: You are NEVER SHORT OF BREATH. You've just built up too much carbon dioxide. Just blow bubbles and you'll be good.

I guess we can try the one arm kick and breathe even without fins, isn't it?

How should i survive pain in nose for example when i want to jump into water? 😅 I can not do this because i panic and i need to get out to breath Air and cough. Pls help i am desperate 🙏

i didnt get the superman float, if i breathe out wont i just sink?

Hm, how would too much CO2 differ from being out of shape (actually "needing" more oxygen)? Does it actually feel different?

New snorkel? PS what fins do you have?

Hi, I am new to swim, Now i saw many videos from you. I am interested to learn. Now one question, While exhale under water, do i exhale thru nose, or mouth. Some other videos saying use mouth and some nose.Which is correct one.? Please teach me

Well that explains why I always feel dizzy after swimming. Need a ton more practice. Definitely not a fish.

Grt

What watch are you using? Thanks

i thought u meant breathing in and out

🏊🏼‍♂️🏊🏻‍♀️

i can easily breath when im swimming breast stroke, why cant i when i swim freestyle? :-(

👏

Didn't find this so helpful as accepted. You could have given more emphasis on rotation of body to breathe.

“Just grab a little bit of oxygen” : words from an expert swimmer who’s not panicking for his life! 😆

Funny, I just discovered that I have much more power when I retain my breath and exhale forcefully just before inhaling. The CO2 is not there within the few seconds. On the contrary, when I exhale as soon as my head is in the water, I loose energy and the power of oxygen that had not the time to reach my brain.

I came here to learn how to breathe when swimming and left with life advice. How did that happen?

You described every single problem I’m having while swimming! I apparently have a bit of a problem with relaxing in the pool, I sink easily, and still struggle with breathing, all of it makes my triathlon dreams seem a bit impossible... hopefully I’ll be able to learn how to manage my breath somehow

Just finished the video. The third is sooooo me! My instructor keeps telling me to slow down but I always got panicked and wanted to go to the end of the pool to breath, so I kicked soooo fast and hard and turned out i lost my balance because of the out of breath, and it ruined my entire swimming experience. Nice tricks and tips!!! Subscribed!

"It's just a casual little 2000m swim." I am going to the ranch now...

Stupid question. How do you exhale? All through nose? All though mouth? Both at same time? 2 stage approach, nose 1st then last few seconds with mouth?

The other thing with holding breath in is that it screws your buoyancy up making your legs drop

I'm sinking, I'm sinking! My German coach: "What are you sinking about?"

Step 2. Don’t be bad at swimming

You've described some of my breathing issues perfectly! Thanks I'm going to stop doing lengths for a bit and go back to breathing basics👍

Taren, I'm curious how you manage your breathing while doing flip turns, as you have to hold your face in water much longer than when you're doing the freestyle stroke. I find that I get a panicky feeling from expelling the air from my lungs too early when I do them as you have to blow out air while flipping to avoid getting water in your nose. I know you've done a video on flip turns and mention they may take months to a year to get used to, but I feel that mostly is because of the breath control aspect. Maybe an updated flip turn instructinoal video with more focus on the breathing is in order soon? I'm sure there are several other viewers that have or are dealing with the same issue...

Can't wait to practice these in the pool. Thanks.

Top tips! Does it matter of you breathe out through nose or mouth?

I've competitivly swam my whole life, I'm petrified of natural body of water, I knew all of these tips and I felt like I was pretty good at all of them, did my first triathlon and first time in a natural body of water and It was more of a panic. Attacks through the whole thing that made it hard for me. And the fact I didn't use a wetsuit made it a bit harder to feel buoyant

Your breathing technique helped me immensely! I'm doubling my previous swimming sessions and I enjoy it more than ever!

you said every other good things but didn't mentioned once how to breath . I though this would be video on how to breath while learning new styles

One minute numerous instructors on RU-vid would say," learn to hold your breath to be able to swim under water"then, next coach says, "get accustomed to blowing out bubbles soon as you enter the water", I'm like, whose instruction do I follow now? both methods makes sense & also contradicts themselves at the same time. If I hold my breath, I'll be able to be bouyant for a longer period of time but, will build Co2 in no time, on the other hand, if I blow bubble, I'll be Co2 free yet less bouyancy & more leg and arm work which leads to early fatigue & having to actually gasp for more air. Please, somebody correct all these RU-vid double-talk 'cos I'm tired of learning nonsense.

Thanks for the advice - you just popped up on my youtube. I have been swimming for 40+ years with little training and my least favorite stroke is the "freestyle" because I get out of breath too fast. I DO blow bubbles as soon as my face hits the water all the way till it's out but maybe I don't exhale hard enough, I just let it go out naturally. I will try to blow out harder without hyperventilating. I do however kick hard since I thought it would make me go faster and burn more calories. So I'll try to kick more lightly..... what was the third thing - keep my butt at the surface? I think it's there. Anyway going to see if breathing out harder and kicking less does the trick. I haven't yet figured out what I'm doing wrong. I also think my arms don't do much besides guide my stroke but maybe you have a diff vid for that. Nice explanations!

I'm new and i panic, thank you addressing the exact problem I am facing, I'll try your technique

On January 10, 2024, I could only swim 15 yards ... if you can call it that. I carefully studied your book and focused on breathing, etc. Today, January 29, I was able to swim 75 yards without stopping. 25 yards is now comfortable. Focusing on 25/50 yard segments with workout totals of 300-400 yards. I always practice the breathing exercises BEFORE I start swimming. Thanks for your RU-vid channel and book!!!!! You're awesome!!!!

The best advice ive had in 20 years ! Omg you absolutely nailed everything ive been doing wrong … im now on the road to my goals finally Thank You.

thanks a lot for the info....i like it....right now i am training my daughter to join an ironman this coming summer...hope i can use this for her training...again thanks a lot

Wow!! Being science minded - this was a wonderful break down of what I was doing wrong. I practiced with your drills, then put it to practice!! Incredible - I have gone from doing 200m and then feeling like I am going to die, and now doing 800m comfortably. Thank you so much 😊

Thanks, I've only just started to try and learn freestyle, and this is basically the first true beginner's advice I've come across on youtube. I've been trying to work on my technique when I barely even know the basics, and feeling like breathing shouldn't be so hard for me as it is in the water since most "beginner" videos don't actually focus that much on it. But now I'm reaffirmed in my belief that breathing is where it truly starts and I will definitely be doing these drills next time in the pool!

yeah! going to the pool was so terrible during the last two months cause I always felt like I was choking after 50m. can't wait to try out the drills and fall in love with swimming again. thank you!

1. Breathing (sink downs and blow out) 2. Floating (Superman floats, hands on side of pool and feet up) 3. Slow the hell down (pool edge & small flutter kicks, flutter kick w fins while extending 1 arm)

Best advice I've heard in my continuous search for learning to swim long distance! Thank you

Hi, I'm not a great swimmer, could never put my head in the water. But have recently been teaching myself using utube videos and practice. So I thought a nose clip has been helping me but what I think is it's actually not as it's reducing how much oxygen I'm getting in as I'm exhausted and out of breath after 25m. I think my technique is better with the nose clip as when I try without I'm more panicky and can't seem to breathe out my nose so totally messed up my technique, it's so frustrating and feel a bit stuck to try get better with a clip or without?!

On the other side of the spectrum there are those coaches who do hypoxic workouts. In order to get the swimmers accustomed to high CO2 levels. Yet, it seems like this is a more for hi performance kids approach:) the issue with holding your breath is not only the panic, but also the fact that you end up exhaling when your face is out of the water, instead of using those precious moments for inhaling. So you alternate your stroke timing and keep the face anove water level too long. And your meticulously studied techinique/form goes out the window. Everthing is connected with everything:)

I really can’t nail the breathing how quickly am I breathing out my nose in the water?

Part of me wants to move to Winnipeg just to have access to that pool. How is it not slammed with people? I always have to share a lane with 10 people.

How can I get rid of the diving reflex? I don't have a problem putting my head under water but as soon as I exhale a certain amount of air my nose hits the alarm button and my throat shuts. I cannot exhale anymore although there's still some air left in my lungs. As soon as my mouth leaves the water my body forces me to gulp first and get rid of the water up my nose. I can't even do one damn set of strokes because my nose keeps telling me I am drowning. I'm so frustrated :(

Oh my gosh you make it sound so easy 😊 I stepped into the pool for the first time today after years of no swimming (beginner by the way) and all the tips went out the window 😂 Oh dear. Will keep at it though 👍🏾

Hey TT. How do I train with that feeling of having my chest compressed with a wetsuit? That really messed up my races last summer.

Im learning how to breathe under water

Does anyone know what kind of watch he’s using 🧐

When I try sink downs I dont drop as I breathe out, I just stay with the water level abou the top of my head lol. Am I doing something wrong?

Should be breath out in the water with nose or mouth ? Unfortunately I learned swimming with nose clip, now without the nose clip I can't swim can please tell me what should I do? 😥

Thank you for the tips, if you can get comfortable breathing in the water I think 80% of learning to swim is done.

Great tips! Any advice for mouth breathers? I don’t wear plugs but find my nose is stuffier than most so feels easier to me. Get over that thought or is that ok?

As a swimmer I do believe everything you said will help but one thing is don’t blow out to much because then you will be gasping for air to early. Also when you blow out you will have a harder time staying on the surface because you let the air in your lungs out. Other than that it’s all good.

Do you have to breathe out through nose? I'm struggling with this.

another thing that I discovered is that in order to go with the flow, it is necessary to move the legs in an arythmic way that goes with the push of the arms. A rythmic paddle of the legs interferes with the flow.

You should put your link in the description :)

I have a diviated septum. Is ok to blow out through my moth instead of nose?

hi i make a goal that i want to swin across lake washington and i need some modavation cause it is 2.1 mi long

I’m afraid of getting the water in my nose and drowning at swimming class I’m nervous all the time even when I’m at home I think about it all the time this helped me thank you lol

This video changed my life! I’ve been so tense under water. The fin technique helped me so much just learning how to have my face in the water. Everything he says about carbon dioxide is spot on. Not breathing out fast enough or taking too much air have been my problems

With this drill, can you blow out with your mouth and inhale with your nose? Or does it have to be the other way around?

you're talking about me. Are you sure you don't know me ?😀