Concept2 Forum

I am new to this, and I have what might be a stupid question. Usually in training we are instructed to breathe out on exertion phase of an exercise, but that doesn't seem to work for erging. I find myself naturally breathing out on the recovery/catch, and breathing in on the stroke when the rib cage is not compressed by my legs. Am I doing this wrong? I tried to force myself to do it the other way and it seemed unnatural.
Thanks!

I breathe in at the catch and breathe out at the finish. And if Im puffed I might take an extra one when I going down the slide.

You are right that most people do what you found natural - breathe in during the stroke (although it is the work part of the stroke, your chest has room to expand), and breathe out as you compress your body.

Some people (me included) go to a 2 breath per stoke rate as I work harder.

Inhaling on recovery, starting drive with full lungs, and exhaling on drive might stabilize your torso better (personal preference, have seen study to support this).

As for frequency, personally I start regularly breathing, one full breath per stroke at hard aerobic or anaerobic threshold (75-85% MaxHR), and start double breaths at as I edge closer and cross into anaerobic work (85%-95% MaxHR).

IN, then OUT - Repeat for the rest of your life, vary the depth and frequency as required.

PaulS wrote:IN, then OUT - Repeat for the rest of your life, vary the depth and frequency as required.

I think that's what I've been doing for the best part of 45 years.
Does IN, IN, then OUT, OUT work?