swming and body fat loss

[emsdan86]

So I was doing some research at college libabry early this week and came upon some articles both in magazines and online. It was saying that swimming isn’t ideal for body fat loss but it’s a great cardio/toning training tool. But at the same time it says it. So what do you think? I really would like to add swimming in to workout

[Boss Man]

Swimming is okay, but can potentially be very adaptive, which means you could find the efficacy gets reduced the more you do it, if the body isn't challenged too much in the long-term.

However you can get around this with varying methods.

1. Change the pace and / or stroke each length / width.

2. Change the pace and/ or stroke each session.

3. Change the pace and / or stroke each week.

Then you won't get the same regular physiological responses, if you're not doing front crawl at the same speed for weeks on end, as an example.

Don't do it after a weights workout, incase pre-swim fatigue increases risk of problems.

It can be good but I'd limit it to about 2-3 times a week, for 30 minutes a time, like you could with most Cardio forms, as you don't need to go overkill on it.

[Noosk]

if you go to http://www.swimplan.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; they will create swim workouts for you for free. Very handy. It can include different strokes, speed sets, leg drills, technique drills etc. obviously the more you vary your swim workout and push yourself speed wise, you are always increasing your workout and improving your swim. getting and ploughing out 1000m in 18 minutes every workout will get you nowhere (except being able to swim 1000m in 18 minutes). So variety is the key!

Enjoy swimming - I love it and change up routines as I am training for a triathlon so need to build endurance, power and speed. edited to add that I also so strength training as this is very important for power in the water.
good luck!
Noosk

[ultimatehlth]

One reason swimming isn't considered a best choice for weight loss is your bodies response to being in the water. Your body will try to shield you from the water by keeping additional body fat to prevent heat loss. Even in 80+ degree water you can become hypothermic in an hour. Unless its the last 5 lbs. or so I wouldn't worry about it, swimming is an excellent calorie burner and great for muscle tone. Notice the swimmers in the Olympics look pretty good. Do what they do add some weight training and watch the diet.

[fit-fanatic-2025]

swimming is an excellent calorie burner and great for muscle tone.

I really hope this is right, because i would definitely like to swim a couple times a week hopefully!

[Boss Man]

Swimming will use quite a btt of lung capacity and Glycogen and phosphate eneriges, as it is Aerobic, but combines resistance exercise to some degree as well.

The main issue with it is, it may become too adaptive, if you use the same stroke and cadence regularly, as then the body might get used to it, making it less effective.

There are ways however to get around this.

A. Change the stroke and or cadence / speed every length.

B. Change the stroke and or cadence / speed every session.

C. Change the stroke and or cadence / speed every week.

D. Change the stroke and or cadence / speed every month.

[fit-fanatic-2025]

Will do Boss!

[Yeye]

I always think that swimming, in a way, does contribute to weight loss (being that I seldom see a "heavy" swimmer)
However, if the goal is to lose weight fast, then it might not be the suitable exercise.
Dont know if its true but have read that swimming in "colder" water can actually make a person "gain" weight (http://healthmad.com/weight-loss/want-t ... -dont-swim" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)