AboutDr. Bruce Forciea Expertise I can handle most questions regarding sports injuries, conditioning, jumps, spins, and basic skating.
Experience Professional skating coach for 15 years. Former PSA Senior rated coach and ice show performer. Now a chiropractor and full-time college instructor in anatomy and physiology.
Organizations Human Anatomy and Physiology Society
Wisconsin Chiropractic Association
Publications Wisconsin Technical College System course in General and Advanced anatomy and physiology.
Author of Unlocking the Healing Code, a book on healing scheduled for release in December, 2007.
Education/Credentials Doctor of Chiropractic from Parker College.
B.A. Psychology Eckerd College
Awards and Honors Midwestern Novice and Junior Pairs Champion and National competitor.
Question Dear Dr Forciea,
In the last 2 weeks my skating is getting worse and worse. Suddenly I struggle to get through my 1.5 min program. I feel completely breathless. Until 2-3 weeks ago I was fine with my stamina. Since then I haven't been ill, I haven't put on weight, I practiced the same amount as I usually do so don't really have any reason to feel more tired or anything, but suddenly the fitness level seemed to deteoriate. Is it normal to loose my fitness level so quickly, without any obvious reason?
I know that everyone who does some vigorous activity (such as sports# becomes breathless. But something is different with me and I shouldn't be like this. I am skating 12 hours a week and I should be fit in theory. I haven't had this problems until recently.
It does feel a bit discouraging if you know that you started popping jumps because suddenly you don't have any breath, you struggle to get enough oxygen for yourself, you feel completely weak and not in control of your body, especially if you know that you could do it reasonably well 2-3 weeks ago and you can do the elements fine out of program, just not in the program.
I suffer from hayfever (not sure if this could be connected) but it is controlled by medication and as far as I know it never impacted on my fitness level in the past.
Could you advise me what is going on with me. Thank you very much.
Answer HI Hana:
Your breathing problem could be the result of a number of issues and it would be difficult to determine which of these is causing your problem without performing a history and examination. I may be able to give you some ideas though.
For one, it would be good to know your age. Breathing problems can be different for teens or young adults versus older adults. Sometimes younger adults can begin to experience problems like exercise induced asthma. Older adults could also experience asthma but there are other problems as well.
Also, skating a 1.5 minute program should not be too much of a stress on your aerobic system. It ususally takes about 3 minutes of vigorus exercise for the body to switch to the aerobic energy system.
Another issue that could be affecting your breathing is overtraining or stress. I remember doing this myself years ago when training for a national competition. My training had increased (and so did the stress level) and my stamina plumetted. One way to tell if you are overtraining is to take your pulse when you first wake up in the morning. Do this every morning and keep a log. If your resting pulse is 10 beats per minute greater than normal it may be a sign you are overtraining. You can also take your pulse right before you perform your program. If it is elevated (60-80% of maximum) then you could be anxious. You can find your maximum heart rate by taking the number 220 and subtracting your age.
Lastly, any type change in your breathing should be discussed with your doctor. It is always a good idea to rule out more serious problems.
I wish you the best with your breathing problem. Feel free to send more information if you'd like.
