Impact of Breathing Rythm?

[KeithT]

I did some searches on the forum and in general about breathing rhythm and I feel like for the most part I do it correctly. Typically I will breathe once every stroke or twice every stroke depending on how hard I am pulling or how fast the stroke rate is with an exhale at the finish or at the catch and the finish. That said, I have found myself on many occasions not paying attention to it as I try to "get lost" in a workout. When I do this I will realize that I sometimes do this weird little quick breath that I am guessing is not optimal. So, should I force myself to pay attention and force the breathing rhythm? Or does it make that much of a difference?

[Citroen]

In then out in sequence works for most of us.

[hjs]

Would not worry about it, let it go. Do start soon enough when TT to breath deep. Could help a bit. Some people inhale very deep for a minute to buffer sone oxigion. Maybe give that a try.

[KeithT]

In then out in sequence works for most of us.

Sounds way too complicated - LOL

Would not worry about it, let it go. Do start soon enough when TT to breath deep. Could help a bit. Some people inhale very deep for a minute to buffer sone oxigion. Maybe give that a try.

OK, I am happy to follow that advice and not really worry or think about it. During TT I will focus on it more as I even use that as a way to distract myself but otherwise will not stress about it.

[iant187]

I read a study a while back (can't remember where..) that looked into the breathing intervals etc..
Most peolpe thought that breathing out on the drive was better, but in actual fact the study found there was absolutely no difference whatever you did - just your own preference.
For me I try to settle into a pattern, but that pattern changes as I get exhausted and coming into the last part of an all out piece will be just breating as much as I can, when I can..

[Citroen]

That's a repeat of what I said.

[Remo]

Don't worry about it, your body is adapting -- it is just figuring out what works best for you.

For most workout, two breaths per stroke works just fine. But if I am near my maximum HR/VO2 max, I will go up to 3, then 4 breaths per stroke. The one/two extra ones are very shallow. They are also intricately tied to the stroke itself in that a lot of the chest and back muscles are used in the drive which places limits on breathing. I've only had these irregular extra breaths rowing -- not in cycling or running.

[KeithT]

As always good feedback - thanks! That study sounds interesting - I think I always exhaled on the drive as it aligns to how I always breathed when lifting weights. Of course as you start doing multiple breathes in rowing that changes but I still will try an exhale on the drive. Anyway, glad its not a major thing to worry about as there is enough to pay attention to like form, pace, and mostly "am I going to survive this test/workout".

[fatfitnessguy]

general recommendation for resistance training breathing is 'exhale on exertion' ... i'd imagine that would apply here as well

but like i tell my clients ... as long as you are, you're ok

[hjs]

general recommendation for resistance training breathing is 'exhale on exertion' ... i'd imagine that would apply here as well

but like i tell my clients ... as long as you are, you're ok

Not possible, number of breaths is way to high.