Does swimming help you loose weight and get in shape.

Of course swimming can contribute to weight loss. Weight loss is a math equation: if calories in is more than calories out you will gain weight. Swmming is a relatively effective calorie burner if done at a good pace. Swimming regularly will add varying amounts of muscle which weighs more than fat. So I suggest weight is just one indicator to watch. Pants size, mirror, etc. are all useful to assess body shape. One pound of body weight = 3500 calories. According to website 30 minutes of "vigorous lap" swimming will burn 340 calories for a 150 pound person. Running 30 minutes at a 9 minute/mile pace will burn 375 calories. I know some people that drink 3-4 sodas a day. That's worth 600 calories/day or 62 pounds per year! That erases the weight loss benefits of swimming almost one hour per day.

Of course swimming can contribute to weight loss. Weight loss is a math equation: if calories in is more than calories out you will gain weight. Swmming is a relatively effective calorie burner if done at a good pace. Swimming regularly will add varying amounts of muscle which weighs more than fat. So I suggest weight is just one indicator to watch. Pants size, mirror, etc. are all useful to assess body shape. One pound of body weight = 3500 calories. According to website 30 minutes of "vigorous lap" swimming will burn 340 calories for a 150 pound person. Running 30 minutes at a 9 minute/mile pace will burn 375 calories. I know some people that drink 3-4 sodas a day. That's worth 600 calories/day or 62 pounds per year! That erases the weight loss benefits of swimming almost one hour per day.