If it doesn't BOTHER you, I wouldn't worry about it? Some racewalkers advocate breathing in for 4 steps, out for 4 (not really sure on the numbers), so maybe you would have to count to do that. But it was really detracting from my enjoyment in the pool. I'm not a very good swimmer, just swimming widths! and going one thru TWELVE! one thru ELEVEN! well, not out loud, but loud in my head! SO much nicer to just quietly get there. I was so grateful the original poster asked the question, there are such good descriptions from people on PC. As for Leed's push button wall, I wish I had one to RAISE to help me pay attention when I go on automatic.