Does swimming burn as many calories as other sports? Unless you're putting in some real yardage, it doesn't seem like it does to me. I was chatting with some tri teammates awhile ago. They think they're slimmer when they're doing multiple sports and not just swimming. Me too, I think. Anyone else have thoughts on this? I guess I should be lifting weights ... Thanks in advance. :)
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Former Member
I have been researching this issue for quite some time. I have learned that swimming burns a ton of calories if you are a true swimmer and not a noodler. In addition, it works almost every muscle group.
There are a few things that can cause weight gain with swimmers: (1) Eating too much; (2) Water retention (3) Building muscles
Swimmers often complain of being hungry after their workouts. Hunger after swimming comes from the loss of glycogen (stored carbs). Glycogen also holds alot of water, so when glycogen is depleted (i.e., no carb diet) you are only losing water. A quick loss of glycogen also increases hunger (this is why you are hungry after swimming).
Glycogen is depleted in exercise from anaerobic exercise. Most swimming workouts involve raising your heartrate to the anaerobic level at some point during the workout. Some workouts more than others.
When muscles are trained to failure, they need to repair in order to build. Your body does this by surrounding the muscle with water (i.e., water retention).
The research I found analogized fat and muscle as following: Fat is light weight and takes up alot of room (like a bunch of feathers). Muscle is small and heavy like gold.
Take your measurements, don't rely solely on the scale for any weight loss progress.
I have been researching this issue for quite some time. I have learned that swimming burns a ton of calories if you are a true swimmer and not a noodler. In addition, it works almost every muscle group.
There are a few things that can cause weight gain with swimmers: (1) Eating too much; (2) Water retention (3) Building muscles
Swimmers often complain of being hungry after their workouts. Hunger after swimming comes from the loss of glycogen (stored carbs). Glycogen also holds alot of water, so when glycogen is depleted (i.e., no carb diet) you are only losing water. A quick loss of glycogen also increases hunger (this is why you are hungry after swimming).
Glycogen is depleted in exercise from anaerobic exercise. Most swimming workouts involve raising your heartrate to the anaerobic level at some point during the workout. Some workouts more than others.
When muscles are trained to failure, they need to repair in order to build. Your body does this by surrounding the muscle with water (i.e., water retention).
The research I found analogized fat and muscle as following: Fat is light weight and takes up alot of room (like a bunch of feathers). Muscle is small and heavy like gold.
Take your measurements, don't rely solely on the scale for any weight loss progress.
