Swimming--Not So Great of a Weight-Loss Activity

What experts said this? "Water buoyancy supports your body" so you don't work out hard? Have these people ever swam some serious laps in their lives? Swimming can be one of the toughest workouts you'll ever do. I took two straight weeks of swim classes this year, and I definitely lost some pounds (I'm not even trying to lose pounds). And that was in spite of any "eating" I did after swimming. I suppose if you are doing an easy swim workout then you won't get any results, but that would kind of apply to any type of exercise. Calorie burning is calorie burning, no matter whether you are in the water or out of it. So my apologies, but I'll have to vehemently disagree with whatever "experts" you are citing here on this one.

Burning calories is burning calories, whatever the form of exercise. But you won't lose weight with light exercise alone, whether it is in the pool or some other form of exercise. You need to push yourself to burn a substantial number of calories. As far as increasing your appetite goes, I try to swim at or before lunch time, and invariably I am less hungry if I manage to swim than if I don't swim. When I swim, I'm satisfied with an apple for lunch; when I don't, I want to eat much more. Of course, swimming might affect other people differently. You'll have to see for yourself.

I'm glad to see other perspectives here, because this was information I culled from a former personal trainer who actually used to be an avid swimmer as well. Her thoughts were that while swimming can tone your body, it doesn't necessarily work on its own as a weight-loss exercise. She told me that most people who lose weight from swimming are probably ones who are getting high-impact cardio in other ways, as well and that while swimming can be great for strengthening muscles, it's more of a strength-training exercise than a sure-fire way to lose weight. But then again, I haven't tried it very much myself, so like I always say, the proof is in the pudding! :)

I like to think of swimming of fat burning-pilates. I too have heard that swimmers generally have some of the best lung capacities of any athlete. You are forced to use oxygen efficiently. I found that swimming, and deep-water aerobics really trimmed my stomach. The water does contribute a buoyancy factor, but it also provides resistance in all directions- this is a huge benefit. I am, however, a big believer in cross training to include weight baring exercises.

Oh. And I always crave cheese-whiz and toast after a good swim. Always.

I find that swimming is great for maintaining my weight and keeping myself in good cardiovascular shape. Over the years, however, I've found it a little frustrating to try and lose weight in the pool. It's hard to have the energy needed to swim as fast as I normally do and to reduce my calorie intake enough to lose 2 lbs. a week. Grumbly grumbles -- stupid patience! Right now, I am settling for swimming 100 m repeats about 5 seconds slower than I would otherwise be able to.

The biggest problem that swimming can create in terms of weight management, in my experience, is that when I stop swimming, it can be very difficult to adjust my food intake quickly enough to avoid turning in to a human marshmallow!

I strongly suspect that these problems are not necessarily swimming-specific. I've heard similar stories from friends who run cross-country.

Swimming has slimmed and toned my torso. It is one of the best workouts I've ever had. Whomever told you it was not a great weight loss activity has no idea how much exertion is involved. Not only do I feel great afterward, I've had many friends who I have not seen for weeks comment on how much weight I've lost. In reality, I've not lost weight, but gained muscle and redistributed the weight.

After swimming for only six weeks, I've gone from 10 twenty five yard laps to 70 in each one hour session. It is equivelent to one mile. It's not without struggle and that nagging "can't go any further" negitive feeling, but by stopping for a few seconds, catching my breath and launching on for another round, I keep going.

Swimming is the best exercise routine to ever happen to me, for me. I used to run cross country when in school and the endorphen rush was so addictive then, as it is now. I can't run any more, but through swimming I can enjoy the reward of feeling great once again. Cool.

"...was information I culled from a former personal trainer..."

Is that because it is actually quite/very hard to do personal training in the context of a pool session? Not being a PT but I'd say it's so much easier for a PT to go to a gym and teach/coach/train/motivate someone to use a rowing machine, upright-bike, even weight machines - because the trainee gets immediate feedback and "feels good". Swimming, and swimming well, is hard and the immediate feedback probably isn't as good and makes the PT feel more uncomfortable about their job with their student.

Surely it's no fluke that a lot of "good" swimmers have that classic "V-shape"...