Bilateral breathing in swimming refers to breathing every three strokes. It assists swimmers in breathing on both sides. It is practiced to maintain balance, rhythm, and equity while swimming freestyle. Bilateral breathing is utilized in training and open water events by swimmers to enhance sighting and enable their strokes to function more effectively.
It is greatly beneficial for triathletes as well as long-distance swimmers. It maintains the body straight, decreases strain on either side, and acclimatizes swimmers to varying conditions such as waves, sun, or other swimmers close. During races, for convenience or speed, some swimmers take breath in just one side, but bilateral breathing in training enhances the quality of their stroke. It enhances muscle development in an even way and facilitates straight swimming in open water. It is initially unfamiliar, but frequent practice of bilateral breathing can go a long way in enhancing the efficiency of swimming as well as its flexibility over time.
