breathing

The Gift of Giving

September 7, 2024

What we get back from giving ourselves to the water. The activity I find most valuable of all, as a foundation for swimming, and as something whic...

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When swimming is, and isn’t, therapy

May 13, 2023

Two opposite kinds of behaviour in water relieve stress. Cold water immersion Getting into cold water, embracing the cold, possibly e...

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The Wonder Of A Natural Breath

January 10, 2023

This 1 min animation from Alexander Technique teacher Jessica Wolf shows natural human breathing.  Watch it for a couple of minutes and see if you...

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Follow the Penguin

February 28, 2022

Through a glass wall at Folly Farm's zoo today I observed penguins swimming underwater. It was lovely to watch their streamlined bodies as they div...

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A Natural Breath – What are the chances?

April 10, 2019

‘How the hell should I know how to breathe?’ an Alexander Technique teacher trainer asked, making the point that we can't control this natural proc...

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Quality Time

June 17, 2018

Are you a recreational swimmer who needs to be more relaxed?.. “ Spending more time underwater, then more time getting air in, is easier tha...

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Surface Tension?

October 11, 2017

Learning to get your face out to breathe. A competent swimmer makes a smooth transition between water and air. It’s the most challenging par...

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Sing When You’re Winning – and always in the first lesson

May 21, 2015

When learners first attempt to breathe out into water, nervous tension gets in the way. But relaxation and enjoyment are more easily experienced th...

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Knowing Your A-Side and B-Side – Is bilateral breathing best for balance?

January 27, 2015

It's a popular assumption that bilateral breathing in front crawl is a good thing, for 'a balanced stroke'.  If we were all capable of perfect...

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360 Front Crawl

December 14, 2014

Benefits of Breathing on Your BackBefore children learn front crawl breathing, it's a good idea to get them rolling all the way on to the back. It'...

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