It seems that there are completely different opinions among the so-called experts when it comes to swimming for weight loss.
Does anyone know of someone who swims regularly and has not lost weight? I don't mean a leisurely couple of laps, but a regular workout.
Are there any obese swimmers who work out regularly and are competitive?
I'm thinking that the fitness experts don't like swimming because they are either:
a. Not good swimmers
b. Can't swim enough distance to get a good work out in; or
c. Had a bad experience with swimming.
Any input on this topic is appreciated (beyond the diet and exercise speech).
Parents
Former Member
I have found that swimming does help with weight loss, but I have the best results when I combine swimming with controlling my diet.
I've been doing master's swimming workouts 2x a week and either walking, biking, or swimming 1-2x a week since July. I've also been following Weight Watchers off and on since then. On the weeks that I follow Weight Watchers fairly well, I usually lose 2-3 pounds a week. On the weeks where I don't control my diet, I don't lose any weight or even end up gaining. I know I'm also getting stronger, but I don't see that on the scale.
I am a 35 year old woman who is about 90 pounds overweight (ugh). I gained a lot of weight while on bedrest with my pregnancy and never managed to lose it (my daughter is 3). Overall since July I have managed to lose about 15 pounds.
So I would say that swimming does help with weight loss, inasmuch as any cardio exercise does, but to see consistent weight loss results, you have to eat healthy. (I am a cheese addict too!)
One good thing about swimming - I feel like I get a better workout sometimes than either walking or biking, because I am not as winded or tired since the water provides some buoyancy. So while unfortunately I am still very overweight, I can still do most of the workout.
PS. Also I think weight training helps a lot with losing sizes rather than pounds - the weeks I weight train, I don't lose weight, but I notice my clothes fit better. :)
I have found that swimming does help with weight loss, but I have the best results when I combine swimming with controlling my diet.
I've been doing master's swimming workouts 2x a week and either walking, biking, or swimming 1-2x a week since July. I've also been following Weight Watchers off and on since then. On the weeks that I follow Weight Watchers fairly well, I usually lose 2-3 pounds a week. On the weeks where I don't control my diet, I don't lose any weight or even end up gaining. I know I'm also getting stronger, but I don't see that on the scale.
I am a 35 year old woman who is about 90 pounds overweight (ugh). I gained a lot of weight while on bedrest with my pregnancy and never managed to lose it (my daughter is 3). Overall since July I have managed to lose about 15 pounds.
So I would say that swimming does help with weight loss, inasmuch as any cardio exercise does, but to see consistent weight loss results, you have to eat healthy. (I am a cheese addict too!)
One good thing about swimming - I feel like I get a better workout sometimes than either walking or biking, because I am not as winded or tired since the water provides some buoyancy. So while unfortunately I am still very overweight, I can still do most of the workout.
PS. Also I think weight training helps a lot with losing sizes rather than pounds - the weeks I weight train, I don't lose weight, but I notice my clothes fit better. :)
