all the swimmers out there?

wilmelenne

So I've just started doing laps at the gym swimming freestyle, and I"m feeling sore from it and I feel like I'm getting a good workout because I'm always breathing hard after a full lap. (note: I just learned how to swim so I'm a complete beginner)

For the people who swim laps routinely, do you think it's a good way to lose weight and inches? and also any advice and/or warnings would be good!

ThumperWabbt

I swim for about an hour at a time, 3-4 days a week. But I am very slow...probably too slow. I use a swimmer's snorkel (looks a little different than the average snorkle) so that I can keep my face down the whole time and swim without gasping for air, which was key for me in being able to do an hour at a time.

If you get your heart rate up, it's pretty much the ideal exercise. Easy on the joints, and you use most of your major muscles.

Along with swimming laps, you can walk laps, too...there's more resistance in the water than on land, but far less joint impact.