2006-07-16 19:31:15 · 4 answers · asked by jw 1 in Sports ➔ Swimming & Diving
As a workout, swimming has an uneven reputation. Although it gets high marks for being easy on your joints and is known as an excellent muscle and aerobic conditioner, some research indicates that it's a poor fat- and calorie-burner. Even experts disagree on how well it works as a weight-loss activity.
For example, the majority of studies that have focused on calorie burning and weight loss have indicated that recreational swimmers tend to lose less weight through swimming rather than through other forms of aerobic exercise. However, an American study done in 1993 for the Educational Testing Service in Princeton, NJ, looked at the calorie-burning potential of swimming and found that, in a given amount of time, champion swimmers burn about 25% more calories swimming all-out than champion runners do when running all-out.
The message seems to be that elite swimmers burn a good amount of calories but the rest of us don’t use as much muscle power and don’t have efficient form. So what can you do to increase the calorie burn of swimming workouts short of qualifying for the Olympics? Push yourself to improve technique and mechanical efficiency. By doing this, you are likely to go further, faster, swim for longer periods of time and burn more calories while you're at it.
You should also do whatever kind of exercise you like. If you enjoy your water workouts, why give them up? You're definitely going to burn more calories getting to the pool three times a week than if you make up excuses for missing a land-based workout you find boring. However, if you're not seeing the results you hope for, try mixing up a variety of activities and exercise intensities. For example, one day you can do your usual water routine and the next day, try a brisk, hilly, challenging walk on the treadmill.
2006-07-16 23:42:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
well it depends if u swim fast or slow, and how activ e u are, but swimming does burn more calories than walking becuse u use all ur body muscles. in swummer i may swim up to 4 hours or more somewhat close to 8-10 kiliometers. but i n winter i swim 3 times a week for about one hour one our and a half.
2006-07-17 07:12:46 · answer #2 · answered by 3umar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Calories, all depends on the size of the person and how actively you swim.
2006-07-16 19:42:48 · answer #3 · answered by brogdenuk 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
calories
its all according to if you are activly swimming, are you swimming in water with a current? are you swimming against the current? is the water cold?
2006-07-16 19:35:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋