I usually run for exercise, but I am thinking of incorporating swimming several times a week into my workout schedule. For anyone who swims, do you find that swimming is a good form of exercise--for both muscle definition and a calorie-burning workout? Also, for how long do you swim, and how should I feel while swimming (out of breath, or should I swim at a medium to slow pace)
Any general swimming techniques, tips, and personal experiences would be helpful! And I want to know why swimming is not generally recommended as an exercise to prevent osteoporosis.
Parents
Former Member
I usually run for exercise, but I am thinking of incorporating swimming several times a week into my workout schedule. For anyone who swims, do you find that swimming is a good form of exercise--for both muscle definition and a calorie-burning workout? Also, for how long do you swim, and how should I feel while swimming (out of breath, or should I swim at a medium to slow pace)
Any general swimming techniques, tips, and personal experiences would be helpful! And I want to know why swimming is not generally recommended as an exercise to prevent osteoporosis.
Swimming should have obvious value for muscle definition. Not body-builder style but you only need to look at good swimmers to see the benefits.
Running on the other hand produces clearly uninteresting physiques :D
A bit more seriously - vigorous swimming consumes just slightly less energy than running at the same heart rates. Possibly a result of the more effective body cooling from water.
If you want to swim for fitness, aim for the same level of perceived effort and/or heart rates you achieve with running.
I usually run for exercise, but I am thinking of incorporating swimming several times a week into my workout schedule. For anyone who swims, do you find that swimming is a good form of exercise--for both muscle definition and a calorie-burning workout? Also, for how long do you swim, and how should I feel while swimming (out of breath, or should I swim at a medium to slow pace)
Any general swimming techniques, tips, and personal experiences would be helpful! And I want to know why swimming is not generally recommended as an exercise to prevent osteoporosis.
Swimming should have obvious value for muscle definition. Not body-builder style but you only need to look at good swimmers to see the benefits.
Running on the other hand produces clearly uninteresting physiques :D
A bit more seriously - vigorous swimming consumes just slightly less energy than running at the same heart rates. Possibly a result of the more effective body cooling from water.
If you want to swim for fitness, aim for the same level of perceived effort and/or heart rates you achieve with running.
