I read somewhere (I can't recall it now) that swimming does not help much with weight loss, and that it doesn't burn as many calories as other sports (such as running). Is this actually true?
Parents
Former Member
What I hear the most of why swimming is not as effective as running, for example, is this... Swimming works mainly your "smaller" muscles, like arms, back, abs, not as much as your "big" muscles like your leg. Running, works your "big" muscles. Bigger muscles, just by being there, burn more calories than the smaller ones, and requires more of your body enhancing then your metabolism... Not sure how much this is actually accurate, but last time I went to the doctor for a check up he kept going on and on about this! (But I hate running and love swimming, so needless to say I didn't pay much attention to it.)
I just got back to swimming after about a 7 year hiatus (lived in NYC and for the life of me couldn't find an affordable pool to go to, or one that was open when I was off work), so haven't been back at it long enough to have any weight loss (had to get my conditioning back first!), however it feels so good to be there in the pool, and when I'm done, my face is red, I'm tired, in a great mood and sleep like a baby, so I'm sure I'll be back in shape in no time!
And like someone here said, the only exercise that works is the one you'll actually do!
What I hear the most of why swimming is not as effective as running, for example, is this... Swimming works mainly your "smaller" muscles, like arms, back, abs, not as much as your "big" muscles like your leg. Running, works your "big" muscles. Bigger muscles, just by being there, burn more calories than the smaller ones, and requires more of your body enhancing then your metabolism... Not sure how much this is actually accurate, but last time I went to the doctor for a check up he kept going on and on about this! (But I hate running and love swimming, so needless to say I didn't pay much attention to it.)
I just got back to swimming after about a 7 year hiatus (lived in NYC and for the life of me couldn't find an affordable pool to go to, or one that was open when I was off work), so haven't been back at it long enough to have any weight loss (had to get my conditioning back first!), however it feels so good to be there in the pool, and when I'm done, my face is red, I'm tired, in a great mood and sleep like a baby, so I'm sure I'll be back in shape in no time!
And like someone here said, the only exercise that works is the one you'll actually do!
