Swimming for Weight Loss
So there is this debate as to whether or not swimming is a good exercise for weight loss. Some study from back whenever claimed that swimming was not good for weight loss. But later studies debunked that by stating that they studied swimmers who were swimming in cold water and that most people swim in warm pools. The theory is that the cold water caused the swimmers to hold on to their fat storage for warmth. That makes sense.
But if also makes sense that swimming is a cardiovascular exercise and if you exert yourself enough to get your heart pumping you should lose weight, in warm water of course, so you don’t need fat to keep warm or anything. So what is the answer? I see competitive swimmers with long, lean beautiful bodies all of the time.
Of course, they are all like 16 years old so is it the swimming or is it just the age? Maybe a combination of both? I’d love to hear comments from anyone with an opinion on this! Click comments down at the bottom and tell me what you think!
My theory is to find an exercise that you like and enjoy and keep at it. Exercise for health and fun!
August 28th, 2006 at 3:29 am
Most people cannot swim continuously at a pace fast enough for it to be effective in terms of fat loss. My personal experience has been that swimming 1000m in 20minutes 5 times/week did nothing for me whereas brisk walking (4.5mph) at a high incline 5 times/week resulted in a steady loss in weight.
You could also gauge from your perceived rate of exertion ie which form of activity seems harder/gets your heartrate up and you need to sustain this for a significant period of time eg.30-45mins for it to be effective.