Walking or swimming?

Question

I am trying to lose weight and have 45 minutes to play with during my lunch break. What would be best and which burns the most calories a 45 min swim or 45 min walk?

Thanks guys! I went swimming in the end - swam 40 lengths. Will go for a walk tomorrow and Thursday. Thanks again!!

Answer 1

Realistically, walking is going to be a much better choice. Not only that, but it has a tons of other benefits that you don't think of. Walking is a GREAT stress reliever. It's a good way to clear your senses. If you get the chance to walk outside while it's sunny, you get the benefits of soaking up the sun's rays increases serotonin (something everyone has to rev up their metabolism). If you walk inside because of weather conditions, it's also just a good way to get oxygen to all your muscles. There are so many great things to know about walking. I have been a walker now for about 4 years and I have lost around 50 pounds. Swimming is hard to make routine and has a habit of making you more tired if you push too hard. I suggest getting a good pedometer and take 10,000 steps or more a day, if you can. They say that it is proven to keep your weight falling slowly and lower blood pressure, cholesterol and stress levels without doing much with your current diet. Again, it also raises you metabolism and provides oxygen to all your muscles. I definitely recommend a little magazine called PREVENTION. They have somehting positive about walking in every issue. They also have a walking guide to help you get started or improve your current walk. They have great walking products and recommend anything from clothes to wear when it is cold outside and shoes to wear for your foot type, to what kind of very small food changes or additions you can make to lose even more weight. I hope this helps you out! Good luck and happy walking! I know you'll love it!

Answer 2

apparently. swimming is better because you are working all the muscles in your body.

I have been walking for a 18 months and managed to lose 3 stone, I walk for about an hour a day for 5 days, quick briskly to work.

I have become more fitter, I can run longer without getting out of breath.

It helps to have music while you are walking as well as it motivates you more.

Walking also burns fat from around your stomach.

So if you can help it, swim as much as you can but walk every day or whenever possible, espcially in the morning as doing it at that time, makes you keep it up. Especially if there is a traffic jam en route to work!

Answer 3

Hi, Generally speaking swimming strokes will burn more clalories per minute yet taking into account personal physical ability, age, weight, terrain, altitude, intensity etc. walking can be an excellent calorie burner. Variety will also come into play, as the more you do something, your body's response will, over a period of time use less energy (calories) to perform the same exercise. So, walk to the pool, rty a variety of swiming strokes at different speeds, and stroll back home with a wholemeal filled bread roll (fish is easily digestable - tuna, mackerel,) a piece of fruit and water, job done.

Answer 4

My wife is in a similar quandry, & enjoys swimming: But she knows that walking is the better exercise. Start with a reasonable distance (measured, or timed) & walk as briskly as you can safely (you could buy a pair of good walking poles to help balance). Then try each day to improve on the distance & time, until you can find it is not so energetic. Then ask yourself whether to walk further, or speed up on the route achieved.

Answer 5

Swimming. You have more resistance for your arms in the water than while walking which will lead to an increase in calorie burning. Your legs in both instances will probably be working equally.

Answer 6

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Finally someone knows what they are talking about!

Swimming are you having a laugh!!! What do people know.

Brisk Walking is by far the best fat burner, it keeps you in the fat burning zone as its low intensity, Running or Cycling will improve your fitness (ie run faster and longer) Swimming is an Aerobic exercise and hence improves breathing and muscle tone, but it doesn't burn the fat you need.

If you want to burn just calories then go running at lunchtime. But for FAT LOSS Brisk walk for 45 minutes before your lunch will be best.

Answer 7

I try and go swimming during my luch hours, and for me thats more productive than walking.Even if you're not the best swimmer you can just hold onto the side and kick or lift your legs up and down under water.Its a gret feeling of acomplishment when you get out and your legs are killing you-means you've had a good workout!!!!Good luck and have fun!

Answer 8

Swimming burns more calories than walking because you are using water which is heavy as your resistance. But if you are concerned about your hair and the effects of clorine on it, I think you should stick to walking which also burns calories.

Answer 9

i would normally say swimming but as its lunch time go for a walk

Answer 10

swimming