Seeking Guidance on Breathing and Chest Discomfort After Swimming

Hi Coach,

I’ve been practicing on my own by following your videos, and I’ve also shared a video of my swimming for your review. Based on your feedback, I’ve made good progress so far [Thank you, you are awesome].

There’s one concern I’d like to get your input on. In your videos, you recommend exhaling underwater only when we're about to turn and take a breath. I’ve been following this approach, and I typically take a breath every two strokes (breath, hold for 1 left stroke and 1 right stroke, then exhale underwater and breathe again).

However, after swimming 4–5 laps (50 meters each), I begin to feel some discomfort in my left chest area, which lasts for hours afterward.

Could this discomfort be related to holding my breath? I’ve read that holding the breath may not be the best technique, as it can lead to CO2 buildup, and that continuous exhalation underwater is more effective.

I’d really appreciate your thoughts on this.

Thanks for your guidance!

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