[fox-runr]

I'm a beginner. my dh forced me to start bilateral from day one. Day one being I could barely make it 25 yds. So now I'm taking lessons and the swim coach, a very experienced one and a triathlete, says do what you prefer, you just need to be "able" to bilateral. Sp I go to one side.<br><br>
Anyhow, last week we're out and a very good triathlete said that my dh made him change to bilateral. So today in my warmpup I time myself every 100, one bilateral, and one to one side whether it be 4stroke or 2stroke. and freaking if the 100s done bilaterally weren't faster....about 3-4 seconds. <img alt="sad2.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad2.gif"><br><br>
I just had to get that out!!!!!!

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

Well kewl!<br><br>
Though I don't think speed is the main reason to go bilateral. You probably pick up a little by being More balanced - and not listing to one side?<br><br>
I think the best reason to be bi is so that when the waves are coming from the left, you can breathe on the right. And when you round the buoy and start back, you can breathe on the left.

 

[Stitcher]

1 to LRR.<br><br>
But, the reason that bi is faster is that you're spending less time "out" of the water....you're spending more time in a more streamlined position. At least, that's my theory. I think it also tends to be more efficient than just one side breathing.

 

[fox-runr]

I'm sure that you are right. In fact, it gives me something to do next time. I should see how I do with every 4th stroke for 100 and compare that to every 3rd and every 2. If the bilateral is still faster then it has to do with better form on my left side rather than streamlining. I have been told that my left arm doesn't seem to do as much pulling as my right.

 

[paulboth]

I saw a VERY FAST swimmer in the pool the other day and she was doing , 2 to the right then 2 to the left. It seemed like it might be the best of both worlds.

 

[TheProFromDover]

I am faster the less I breathe. Now if I could only swim w/o breathing at all.<br><br>
The real test you want to do is, when you are good and tired, time a 100 breathing every 2 only on the right, and then repeat that breathing only on the left. You will find you are faster breathing on your favored side.<br><br>
Practicing breathing only on the "wrong" side will help body position. It's harder to correct the weak side pull.

 

[fox-runr]

eww yes, I'll definitely have to try that. Okay I have 2 workouts this week with a plan. there is motivation <img alt="banana.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/banana.gif">