Swimming - why is it cardio rather than strength?

teri1956

Plowing through water is resistance, so I wondered why when I search for swimming in strength why all I find are weights, machines, and other circuit work? Thanks for your input.

chevy88grl

I think it considered cardio because it gets your heart rate up (if you're really swimming vs goofing around) and keeps it up.

Schwarzeaugen

I think it's a matter of it being more of one thing than another. It's a lot more cardio, but you can definitely still build the muscle doing it as well.

Monica_has_a_goal

I think it's more of a cardio burn if you're doing laps.. But I did notice a little more definition in my arms because of swimming.. YAY FOR SUMMER!! :happy:

NovemberJune

I think it's a matter of it being more of one thing than another. It's a lot more cardio, but you can definitely still build the muscle doing it as well.

i agree. i think it's both, but more of cardio. kind of like jumping jacks, you have the resistance from your body weight but still it gets your heart rate going so i count it as cardio.

AZTrailRunner

The more efficient you are at swimming, the less "strength" is involved. Form is key, and regardless of experience level, is always a cardio workout (in my opinion).

bunchesonothing

The more efficient you are at swimming, the less "strength" is involved. Form is key, and regardless of experience level, is always a cardio workout (in my opinion).

Agreed. Much the same way running is cardio even up hills and in a strong headwind. Most people don't realize, but running is weight bearing. Ask any injured person who was restricted from doing weight bearing exercises.