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).
Former Member
I thought I'd add my own results to this discussion. I started getting exercise in the yard and garden in May, and started swimming again in June. I haven't really gone on a diet, I still eat whatever I want, as much as I want with two exceptions: high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated vegetable oils. One day a week I make at exception to the exception and eat some junk food. I could probably lose weight faster if I reduced my caloric intake but as we all know for the majority of people that is not really sustainable in the long term. Weights are in pounds not kg (for you Canadians).
5/1/07 215, yes really.
6/10/07 207
7/15/07 203
8/16/07 197
8/27/07 193
I think a lot of the studies that show swimming doesn't contribute to weight loss aren't specific enough about the level of exertion. 60 minutes of swimming is one thing but 60 minutes where you maintain a certain percentage of your max HR is another.
I actually lost 30lbs after taking a break from open water swimming. I live in the northwest and in summer swim in the lakes. the temps are about 65-70? I don't remember now. I also eat an incredible amount after a good one hour or one mile swim. I wonder whether swimming at the gym would cause me to lose weight? Because the water is less cold and I would need for less "insulation". I kinda struggle with this one. (I am 5'5" 1/2" and 155. When I was swimming outdoors I was as much as 180 #. )I have eaten a large pizza from the restaurant without regrets when I was open water training. My dr says that I need to lose weight, but I just tell her I'm an athlete. :) so my BMI will be higher. I'm also 40 and kind of a chesty woman with large hips. My percentage body fat is about 30% and I don't think I could get lower than 140#. I feel stronger in the upper body after swimming.
But here's to eating carbs! Probably need to cut down on soda pop and just over eating. I don't ever 'diet' after a lifestyle change or a different season I just lose or gain weight. I do tend to gain 20 # in winter and lose 20 # in summer, my weight is all over the place. My aunt who is a dr told me just to eat at the same time every day and that will train my body.
I wanted to add that I am not a competitive swimmer... mostly just for fun.
One random thing I wanted to add, make sure you get your eloctrolytes... one time I was almost washed out... and had to go to the hospital!
I went to a nutritionist last year and fortunately, ended up with one who was a college swimmer. She got it the ravenous appetites after morning practice and how to handle double days without passing out! We really worked on getting the right calories and breaking them up throughout the day. She had me with a lot of protein. Over the course of 3 months, I lost only about 9lbs, but none of it was muscle, it was all fat. She pinched me with the calipers and took measurements. It was very exciting and in the end, I also ended up gaining a lot of speed with that muscle. Don't hesitate to look into a sports nutritionist who might be able to tweak what you're doing.
