I'm sure many of you are already aware of this article on about.com It reviews a couple of studies that try to explain why swimmers tend to have more body fat than other athletes.
Thought if you weren't aware of the article you might find it interesting.
swimming.about.com/.../offsite.htm
Lainey
Parents
Former Member
Rich:
On topic, I have this purely anecdotal feeling/experience that running burns more calories than swimming given the same intensity and same workout time, but I've been told that might not be scientifically correct on another thread.
I agree that the burn is likely higher in running etc. However the beauty of swimming for me is that you don't have to run in extreme weather e.g. "Minus OMG how cold is it?" and "100 and holy-mMoly" neither of which are good for you. That or pound away on a conveyor belt!
For me the stresses of running are too great on my discs and the likelyhood is that I am training with more intesnsity in the pool b/c I am pain free in the water. I had a slight spasm a month ago. I still swam a mile (pain free) with it; that can't happen on land.
So I think the average person will not notice a huge difference.
Maybe I could be thnner with running or soccer but for the last few years i'd play 3 or 4 games then go down with 3 herniated discs causing spasm etc and miss a month...
Anyhow, I am an inch thinner where it counts and an inch wider where it looks good so I am happy. After the binge I will cut back on certain food for a month and see how I do.
Also my workout outfit is lighter to carry :D :D
Rich:
On topic, I have this purely anecdotal feeling/experience that running burns more calories than swimming given the same intensity and same workout time, but I've been told that might not be scientifically correct on another thread.
I agree that the burn is likely higher in running etc. However the beauty of swimming for me is that you don't have to run in extreme weather e.g. "Minus OMG how cold is it?" and "100 and holy-mMoly" neither of which are good for you. That or pound away on a conveyor belt!
For me the stresses of running are too great on my discs and the likelyhood is that I am training with more intesnsity in the pool b/c I am pain free in the water. I had a slight spasm a month ago. I still swam a mile (pain free) with it; that can't happen on land.
So I think the average person will not notice a huge difference.
Maybe I could be thnner with running or soccer but for the last few years i'd play 3 or 4 games then go down with 3 herniated discs causing spasm etc and miss a month...
Anyhow, I am an inch thinner where it counts and an inch wider where it looks good so I am happy. After the binge I will cut back on certain food for a month and see how I do.
Also my workout outfit is lighter to carry :D :D
