Swimming or Running?

Question

What's better?

Answer 1

By whats better im assuming you mean whats more effective for weight loss?

Well personally from that standpoint both have their pros and cons.

Running burns slightly more calories while exercising but has what is known as an afterburn effect where it accelerates your metabolisim for a period of time after you cease exercising.

However running especially for untrained and overweight participants, has "impact" problems on joints, as the weight sent through the joints on every step is several times that of your body weight. Its easy to see the damage that can be done, however it is that impact along with the raising of your core temperature during exercise that initiates the afterburn effect mentioned above.

Swimming is a great calorie burner, is a non impact activity saving uninitiated joints from that repeditive punishment caused by runnning.
However you being in the water keeps your core temp stable and thus you dont really have a post exercise metabolism spike associated with running.

From a personal standpoint i run alot more than i swim but definately include swimming, and pool running, (running motion in water too deep for you to stand). Pool running is extremely calorificly taxing, and great for runners recovering from injuries although a great deal of water confidence is required.

Answer 2

If you want to lose weight then running burns a lot more calories than swimming.Both are great aerobic workouts. Swimming has the advantage of being easier on joints esp knees for the body does not absorb shock of impact as in running. If I want to lose I will run unti I reach goal then still run but interspace with easy jogs and speed walking-less damage when older to knees and joints. Swimming is great as a longterm aerobic for will lose just take a bit longer but easier on the body and you use all the major muscles.

Answer 3

Well swimming and running both have different benifits. Hope the following helps.

Running
You can run anytime and dont need to visit the pool. Running is great form of cardio and burns off alot of calories. Running also builds levels of endurance and fitness.

Swimming
Swimming is a good low impact exercise which is easy for people who have mobility problems ...

Answer 4

Swimming! I hate running.

Answer 5

Definately swimming running is too hard on the body.

Answer 6

I dunno. It seems like swimming would be better because it is less impact on your body. Running is hard on your joints and bones and stuff. I like to run but I think swimming is really good exercise and gives you good looking arms.

Answer 7

swimming is good but walking is better then running , no more then 30 min

Answer 8

swimming duh