How to Train Your Lungs

When swimming or performing anything with water it is extremely important to train your lungs and strengthen the muscles around the lungs to increase the length of your breath. Taking a breath while swimming creates drag, slowing you down and possibly holding you back from achieving the top position in a race. Increasing the strength of your lungs reduces the amount of times you need to bring in air during a swimming event.

Things You'll Need

  • Pool
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Instructions

    • 1

      Swim across the length of your pool. On the first lap of the pool take in a breath for every third stroke you take.

    • 2

      Swim back down the length of the pool and take a breath on every fourth stroke you take.

    • 3

      Perform the same action again, except with each length you swim increase the amount of strokes you take in between breaths. Do not push yourself too hard as it is possible to black out while holding your breath.

    • 4

      Perform the action several times a week. Over time the strength of your breath increases, allowing you to increase the distance you swim for each breath you take.