Proper Breathing not Necessary

[oslooskar]

If you’ve always wanted to swim for exercise but never quite got the hang of breathing properly in the water, don’t worry, there’s a simple solution. You can use a swim mask and snorkel. It lets you breathe comfortably without lifting your head out of the water, allowing you to get all the air you need.

If you were young, I’d tell you to learn proper breathing. But as seniors, many of us are set in our ways and we’re not training for competition, so there is no reason not to swim with a mask and snorkel. You’ll get a full-body workout that’s easy on the joints, and you can go at your own pace.

So don’t let a lack of proper breathing technique hold you back from one of the best exercises on the planet.

 

[Medusa]

If I can expand on the breathing comfortably while exercising idea.

Once I stopped trying to breathe "properly" while doing yoga, I started to get a lot more out of it. I take deep breaths naturally while moving into or out of positions, but no longer focus on continual breath work, which I find distracting.

Slow, deep breathing is a good thing as it signals the nervous system to calm down, but when it's over-emphasized, I've found it can have the opposite effect.

 

[againstthegrain]

After decades of not swimming I needed to "waterproof" myself so I took (3) 1 hour lessons and I was right back in the groove. You can do it too! One can't always count on having a mask and snorkel if one happens to end up in the water accidentally.

Of course many advanced swimmers doing laps actually do them w a mask and snorkel so if you need to go that route it doesn't look too funny at all. And while you're at it bring the swim fins, it's a lot more efficient to do laps with them on and it's very heartening when you're struggling w technique and/or fitness.

 

[oslooskar]

After decades of not swimming I needed to "waterproof" myself so I took (3) 1 hour lessons and I was right back in the groove. You can do it too! One can't always count on having a mask and snorkel if one happens to end up in the water accidentally.

You’re missing the point entirely. This wasn’t about preparing for triathlons or ocean rescues. It was about giving older folks a practical way to swim laps without having to master proper breathing. That’s the barrier that keeps many from even getting in the water.

Not everyone wants to take lessons or chase perfect technique. A swim mask and snorkel let seniors get the full benefits of swimming, joint-friendly, full-body cardio, without the stress or discomfort of trying to breathe the “right” way.

If someone decides later they want to improve their technique, great. But right now, I’m encouraging older folks to start where they are, not where you think they should be.

 

[oslooskar]

If I can expand on the breathing comfortably while exercising idea. Once I stopped trying to breathe "properly" while doing yoga, I started to get a lot more out of it. I take deep breaths naturally while moving into or out of positions, but no longer focus on continual breath work, which I find distracting. Slow, deep breathing is a good thing as it signals the nervous system to calm down, but when it's over-emphasized, I've found it can have the opposite effect.

I hear you on yoga, but this isn’t about mindful breathwork or relaxation. The point I was making is much more practical: many older adults avoid swimming altogether because they never learned how to breathe properly while doing laps. That discomfort keeps them out of the pool, or a least from swimming laps.

The suggestion to use a mask and snorkel is a workaround, not a philosophical shift. It’s a tool that allows seniors to swim laps comfortably, get a full-body workout, and avoid the frustration or anxiety that can come from struggling with technique.

So while your comment about breath control is valid in its own context, it’s not really addressing the issue I was raising.

 

[againstthegrain]

Oh sorry, my bad. I didn't realize the OP was the self-appointed swim coach here on SF and that his strategy is the only valid approach.

 

[Ted01]

If I can expand on the breathing comfortably while exercising idea.

Once I stopped trying to breathe "properly" while doing yoga, I started to get a lot more out of it. I take deep breaths naturally while moving into or out of positions, but no longer focus on continual breath work, which I find distracting.

Slow, deep breathing is a good thing as it signals the nervous system to calm down, but when it's over-emphasized, I've found it can have the opposite effect.

I really appreciate you for sharing this!
I've tried various breathing techniques from various sources but found out that focusing too much on breathing ruined what I came for... but I thought it was just me. A few also had confirmed my suspicions before but I'm glad to hear it again.

I guess curious and specific rhythms works for some... others, like me, not so much.

 

[That Lady in PA]

Meh... plenty of people do just fine with less-than-perfect breathing technique. No snorkel needed.

 

[oslooskar]

Oh sorry, my bad. I didn't realize the OP was the self-appointed swim coach here on SF and that his strategy is the only valid approach.

No need for the sarcasm. I never claimed to be a “self-appointed swim coach” or that my way is the only way. What I offered was a simple, effective suggestion for older folks who might otherwise feel discouraged from swimming because of the breathing barrier.

You chose to take that personally and respond with condescension. That’s on you.

This isn’t about ego or authority, it’s about accessibility. Not everyone wants to take lessons or be told they “can do it too” if they just try harder. Some just want a comfortable way to exercise without added stress.

If you have another method that works for you, great. But maybe next time, don’t frame it as the gold standard while dismissing the needs of people who aren’t on the same path.

 

[oslooskar]

plenty of people do just fine with less-than-perfect breathing technique. No snorkel needed.

Correct! But that’s not who I was addressing. I was speaking to seniors who don’t feel fine about it, who have avoided swimming laps altogether because the breathing aspect makes them uncomfortable or anxious.

The mask and snorkel are tools, not crutches. If they help someone get in the pool and get moving, that’s a win. This isn’t about pride. It’s about making lap swimming doable for people who might otherwise sit on the sidelines.

 

[againstthegrain]

No need for the sarcasm. I never claimed to be a “self-appointed swim coach” or that my way is the only way. What I offered was a simple, effective suggestion for older folks who might otherwise feel discouraged from swimming because of the breathing barrier.

You chose to take that personally and respond with condescension. That’s on you.

This isn’t about ego or authority, it’s about accessibility. Not everyone wants to take lessons or be told they “can do it too” if they just try harder. Some just want a comfortable way to exercise without added stress.

If you have another method that works for you, great. But maybe next time, don’t frame it as the gold standard while dismissing the needs of people who aren’t on the same path.

You’re missing the point entirely. This wasn’t about preparing for triathlons or ocean rescues. It was about giving older folks a practical way to swim laps without having to master proper breathing. That’s the barrier that keeps many from even getting in the water.

Not everyone wants to take lessons or chase perfect technique. A swim mask and snorkel let seniors get the full benefits of swimming, joint-friendly, full-body cardio, without the stress or discomfort of trying to breathe the “right” way.

If someone decides later they want to improve their technique, great. But right now, I’m encouraging older folks to start where they are, not where you think they should be.

The snide remarks started w "preparing for triathlons or ocean rescues" which is fiction entirely of your own making, because I said nothing of the sort so "that's on you."

Everyone may not want to take lessons, but SOME may. What people do w what they read is up to them, it's not for you or me to decide how they proceed, if at all.

Have a good day coach, I'm out.

 

[oslooskar]

The snide remarks started w "preparing for triathlons or ocean rescues" which is fiction entirely of your own making, because I said nothing of the sort so "that's on you." Everyone may not want to take lessons, but SOME may. What people do w what they read is up to them, it's not for you or me to decide how they proceed, if at all. Have a good day coach, I'm out.

Grain, you’re twisting things now. My comment about triathlons and ocean rescues was clearly rhetorical, meant to contrast casual swimming with more intense approaches. If that struck a nerve, maybe ask yourself why.

I never said people shouldn’t take lessons. I said not everyone wants to, and that using a snorkel can be a practical alternative for older folks who just want to move their bodies without turning it into a technical challenge. That’s not gatekeeping, it’s lowering the barrier to entry.

You chose to react with sarcasm and call me a “self-appointed coach.” That was unnecessary and defensive. I’m not telling anyone what to do. I offered a method. You offered yours. The difference is, I didn’t try to belittle yours. Bottom line, using my method, I’d have seniors in the water swimming laps while you’d be standing on the side of the pool handing out critiques.

 

[Medusa]

I really appreciate you for sharing this!
I've tried various breathing techniques from various sources but found out that focusing too much on breathing ruined what I came for... but I thought it was just me. A few also had confirmed my suspicions before but I'm glad to hear it again.

I guess curious and specific rhythms works for some... others, like me, not so much.

I'm so glad. I agree about rhythmic breathing; for me, it's distracting. Actually, it's nice for me to know that I'm not the only one, so thank you for that.

 

[Della]

When I was first diagnosed with high blood pressure I listened to all the doctors and chiropractors on YouTube telling me how to lower it. I even drank beet juice for a while .

The hardest thing was trying to do their idea of proper breathing. It varied from doc to doc, but they always wanted equal counts out as in. I can breath in for six counts but it's all out and over by five. It was so aggravating I think the frustration raised my blood pressure.

Now I just lie down and put my ten pound dog on my chest and it slows my breathing wonderfully.

 

[Medusa]

I hear you on yoga, but this isn’t about mindful breathwork or relaxation. The point I was making is much more practical: many older adults avoid swimming altogether because they never learned how to breathe properly while doing laps. That discomfort keeps them out of the pool, or a least from swimming laps.

The suggestion to use a mask and snorkel is a workaround, not a philosophical shift. It’s a tool that allows seniors to swim laps comfortably, get a full-body workout, and avoid the frustration or anxiety that can come from struggling with technique.

So while your comment about breath control is valid in its own context, it’s not really addressing the issue I was raising.

You're letting people know that using a snorkel might allow them to swim for exercise when they otherwise might not if they also tried to master breathing technique.

I was stepping just to the right, expanding a little, and letting people know that, on the subject of breathing technique and exercise, there is a work around for yoga, too.

If you want your thread to remain strictly about using a snorkel during swimming exercise, then my apologies and, should I want to discuss yoga breathing further, I'll start a new thread.

 

[oslooskar]

When I was first diagnosed with high blood pressure I listened to all the doctors and chiropractors on YouTube telling me how to lower it. I even drank beet juice for a while . The hardest thing was trying to do their idea of proper breathing. It varied from doc to doc, but they always wanted equal counts out as in. I can breath in for six counts but it's all out and over by five. It was so aggravating I think the frustration raised my blood pressure. Now I just lie down and put my ten pound dog on my chest and it slows my breathing wonderfully.

What does that have to do with swimming with a snorkel and face mask? If you want to lower your blood pressure, then start swimming three to five times a week, with or without a snorkel. After all, putting a ten-pound dog on your chest isn’t going to lower your blood pressure.

 

[Pepper]

After all, putting a ten-pound dog on your chest isn’t going to lower your blood pressure.

I've heard that does lower your blood pressure. Holding cats, same result. I read this. Sounds true. Always feel better holding a furry.

 

[oslooskar]

I've heard that does lower your blood pressure. Holding cats, same result. I read this. Sounds true. Always feel better holding a furry.

Sure, holding a furry friend might help you feel more relaxed in the moment and that’s great. But if you’re serious about lowering blood pressure over the long haul, nothing beats regular swimming. It’s not just comforting, it’s cardiovascular exercise. With or without a snorkel, it works.

 

[Della]

AI quote: research indicates that interacting with animals can help lower blood pressure. Studies have shown that both dog and cat ownership, as well as other forms of animal interaction, can lead to reduced blood pressure and heart rate, particularly during stressful situations. This effect is likely due to the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and relaxation, and a decrease in stress hormones like cortisol.

What does that have to do with swimming with a snorkel and face mask? Nothing at all. The topic has moved on to proper breathing through Medusa and then on to blood pressure through me, such is the nature of message board topics.

I love swimming but it is not an option for me, I do not have access to a pool. I do have access to a dog.

@Pepper I think cats are even better than dogs for this!
Every day before I gave him his insulin shot, I would pick up my cat like a baby and hold him for a few minutes, while I massaged the back of his neck. He would purr in my ear and I would almost fall asleep while standing.

 

[Medusa]

I can't say too much here because I tend to be protective of my threads as well. But this thread has a particularly niche topic which is difficult to expand on while staying strictly within parameters.

Really, myself and the others adding here in this thread brings it to the forefront and opens it up for more people to see and read the original post, thus getting the message that swimming is accessible to them even if they don't have proper breathing technique. Which, ultimately, is a good thing as that message is the OP’s goal, I believe.

 

[Knight]

One can't always count on having a mask and snorkel if one happens to end up in the water accidentally.

I'm trying to think of a situation where a senior would end up in the water accidently. Any examples?

 

[oslooskar]

AI quote: research indicates that interacting with animals can help lower blood pressure. Studies have shown that both dog and cat ownership, as well as other forms of animal interaction, can lead to reduced blood pressure and heart rate, particularly during stressful situations. This effect is likely due to the release of What does that have to do with swimming with a snorkel and face mask? Nothing at all. The topic has moved on to proper breathing through Medusa and then on to blood pressure through me, such is the nature of message board topics. I love swimming but it is not an option for me, I do not have access to a pool. I do have access to a dog.
I think cats are even better than dogs for this! Every day before I gave him his insulin shot, I would pick up my cat like a baby and hold him for a few minutes, while I massaged the back of his neck. He would purr in my ear and I would almost fall asleep while standing.

Yes, holding a cat can lower your blood pressure for a moment. But let’s not pretend it’s a substitute for real exercise. Snuggling with a pet isn’t going to strengthen your heart, improve circulation, or build muscle, but swimming will.

If you don’t have access to a pool, that’s one thing. But let’s be honest, many seniors do have access. They just don’t want to be uncomfortable or put in the effort. So instead of finding a practical solution like using a snorkel and mask to make swimming easier, they latch onto anything like, pets, pillows, and potions to avoid getting in the water.

Bottom-line, it's your life and your health, but let’s not pretend cat cuddles are cardio because they're not.

 

[Della]

I'm trying to think of a situation where a senior would end up in the water accidently. Any examples?

Fishing trip gone wrong? Wife pushes him off the cruise ship so she can marry the shuffle board pro?

 

[Knight]

Fishing trip gone wrong? Wife pushes him off the cruise ship so she can marry the shuffle board pro?

Even though the death was due to a planned trip. I could understand a fishing trip where wearing waders & mis judging the water depth & current strength would be accidental. Not so much in a boat where a life preserver is worn.

A cruise ship where the wife kills her husband == no accident.

I do see the attempt at humor for the wife wanting to marry the shuffle board pro.

 

[Buckeye]

I can't say too much here because I tend to be protective of my threads as well. But this thread has a particularly niche topic which is difficult to expand on while staying strictly within parameters.
{snip}

Good morning. Here's the thing - starting a thread does not give ownership/editorial rights. It is not "my thread". Although most of us try to stay on topic, any other user may post whatever they wish, and it is natural for a thread to bounce around and touch on topics totally unrelated to the OP. That's what makes it fun! I'm sure you understand this. Others, maybe not so much.

Have a great day - I'm headed to the hospital for another CT scan of my heart and that pesky aneurysm on my ascending aorta.