Swimming vs running?

lizzie2190
lizzie2190 Posts: 236 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all, Just wondering what everyones thoughts are on most effective exercise ? Just about to drag myself out for a run ( first I a year! ) and husband seems to think swimming is the best form of exercise so not thinking about sticking to that ??? I want to lose weight and tone up a lot any opinions welcome x
«1

Replies

  • final10
    final10 Posts: 69 Member
    I did C25k and now have been running for a few months (and I cycle and spin class). I just started swimming about a month ago and it wears me out! The first time I swam laps it felt like I hadn't been doing any type of cardio. I don't know the answer but my opinion is to alternate both.
  • srp2011
    srp2011 Posts: 1,829 Member
    They are both excellent for cardio and calorie burn. Swimming is probably better for all-over toning, and it is lower impact. But why restrict yourself and only do one? I do both over the summer :-)
  • Spence_
    Spence_ Posts: 139 Member
    BOTH!

    I've always been a swimmer but I don't find it very effective for weight loss - mainly because I'm always STARVING afterwards. Whereas running seems to suppress the appetite and I find I'm less hungry.

    Running is awesome for toning legs and tummy muscles, whilst swimming is excellent for your back/shoulders etc (front crawl).

    Don't forget to do some strength training, too. Maybe invest in a kettlebell or some dumbells? :)


    EDIT - I have to say swimming is BETTER exercise in the sense that you're much less likely to get injured... In all the years I've been swimming, I've only ever sustained injuries from other swimmers (kicking or somebody hooking my arm when front crawling in the opposite direction...ouch), but since I started running 3/4 months ago, I got tendinitis in my foot (invest in elastic laces!) and am a bit concerned about my knees already! But yeah, both in moderation, I reckon.
  • puppycloud
    puppycloud Posts: 42
    I do both and find that running is the best for cardio, but swimming is the best for general muscle workout. When I put in 30 mins of each exercise in the calorie counter here, moderate running burns 423 cals and moderate swimming 296 cals.

    I'd reccomend working out in various forms though
  • HealthyLivingKathy
    HealthyLivingKathy Posts: 190 Member
    Physically I can't do the running so I run in the pool and do weights, calisthenics, etc. I lost an average of 1 inch from each of the 6 places I measure last month. I agree though that alternating is probably the best option.
  • Huffdogg
    Huffdogg Posts: 1,934 Member
    I would always say swimming. It provides an actual resistance workout for every major muscle group in your body in addition to the cardio benefits.
  • pucenavel
    pucenavel Posts: 972 Member
    I'm an efficient swimmer, so unless I'm really pushing myself (which I'm not prone to do), I don't burn nearly the calories swimming that I do running.

    I've read that butterfly is the most you can exert yourself at one time - but how many of us could do it for more than a few minutes at best?

    Just based on how I feel after doing an hour of each, I'd have to say that running is a faster burn for me.
  • honu18
    honu18 Posts: 294 Member
    Swimming is definitely lower impact and easier on the joints, but for me, swimming is something I grew up with and it just doesn't seem hard. Unless I'm really pushing myself to go fast I don't get tired or feel like I'm working out. And, like another poster mentioned, it tends to make me really hungry as opposed to running, where I don't want to eat anything for at least 30 to 60 minutes afterwards. I just feel like running has gotten me into better cardiovascular shape and really toned up a lot of my body. But if you alternate, you are sure to work almost all of your major muscle groups and give your legs and arms a rest when necessary. I tend to swim for every 2 days I run. So run 2 days, swim, etc (when I have pool access)
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    They are both excellent for cardio and calorie burn. Swimming is probably better for all-over toning, and it is lower impact. But why restrict yourself and only do one? I do both over the summer :-)


    ^^^ This
  • lizzie2190
    lizzie2190 Posts: 236 Member
    Thanks for replies, I have just swam for an hour and b even gym , I think I'm going to try and build fitness levels up in gym first and maybe try running in a few weeks :) x
  • Elizabeth_C34
    Elizabeth_C34 Posts: 6,376 Member
    I would always say swimming. It provides an actual resistance workout for every major muscle group in your body in addition to the cardio benefits.

    Agreed.

    I'm biased though. I love swimming.
  • pkfrankel
    pkfrankel Posts: 171 Member
    The calorie counter I generally use says that I will burn between 600 - 700 kcal per hour swimming and 800 per hour running. An hour of swimming is much more difficult of a workout for me, so it seems like a much harder workout.
  • TheChosenOne_
    TheChosenOne_ Posts: 72
    Uhmm, this is quite difficult to answer, but I have to go with running.
    You use all parts of your body effectively.
  • ell_jay
    ell_jay Posts: 68
    Swimming and running compliment each other; running can put pressure on the joints, so swimming some days of the week can relieve the pressure, but still get a great workout :D
  • mes1119
    mes1119 Posts: 1,082 Member
    As an ex college swimmer, I would choose running.

    Swimming is a good exercise but I never had good results trying to lose weight with it. It seemed to keep a layer of fat on me regardless of how I ate or worked. Then again, swimming is easy to me so I have to push myself very very hard to get my heart rate up and get a good workout. As with any exercise, your body adapts over time to make the exercise easier.

    Why not try both? Run 3x a week and swim on the off days!
  • SPBROOKS68
    SPBROOKS68 Posts: 561 Member
    Swimming is more fun, you don't sweat and it works all the muscles plus it is the best for people with walking difficulties - I don't run but I replace the eliptical with swimming in the summer.
  • firedragon064
    firedragon064 Posts: 1,082 Member
    Swimming is a great work out since your heart expands vertical from the water pressure so you can push youself harder but it is NOT an effective workout to lose weight fat your body temperature does not raise up.
  • desert_rhino
    desert_rhino Posts: 104 Member
    My only problem with swimming (and I used to be on swim team) is that it's quite boring. Really, really boring. Other than that, it's awesome. :)

    ETA: firedragon064 said:
    Swimming is a great work out since your heart expands vertical from the water pressure so you can push youself harder but it is NOT an effective workout to lose weight fat your body temperature does not raise up.

    Umm... whut? None of that makes even an iota of sense. Could you elaborate on what you mean? Maybe with references?
  • Huffdogg
    Huffdogg Posts: 1,934 Member

    I've read that butterfly is the most you can exert yourself at one time - but how many of us could do it for more than a few minutes at best?

    Isn't that kind of the point? lol
  • Huffdogg
    Huffdogg Posts: 1,934 Member
    Swimming is more fun, you don't sweat ...

    Um, yes you do. You sweat buckets if you're doing it properly. You just don't know it, because you're already covered in water. Vitally important to stay hydrated if you are swimming for fitness.
  • doubglass
    doubglass Posts: 314 Member
    Kind of a trade off. A little less chance of serious injury. (You can get rotator cup problems from long miles). Fungus and ear infections need to be watched. Heels crack when swimming and I find it raises my appetite much more than other cardio.
  • GreenTeaForDays
    GreenTeaForDays Posts: 166 Member
    I was a competitive swimmer for years so I feel like running kicks my butt a little more. Therefore, I think running is a bit more effective for weight loss. On the other hand, swimming is low impact so you are much less likely to injure yourself.

    Personally, I like to mix things up because I get bored easily. So if you are anything like me, a combination of both swimming and running is ideal.

    If you are leaning towards running you can do all of your workouts running and then substitute one swimming workout in per week or vice versa. Or you can do half-half, etc. I would just stick to whatever motivates you and you have more fun doing so that you are more likely to stick to it!!

    Best of luck!
  • elenabab
    elenabab Posts: 8 Member
    I have been very successful with weight loss from swimming. I do 2-4, 50-75 mininterval-training swimming workouts per week, which lets you reap the benefits of resistance training and HIIT / oxygen deprivation state. You can google "interval workout swim" and a bunch will pop up. If you mix them up it keeps you interested. My upper body is more defined than ever but NOT bulky at all. It's way more zen than running :)
  • brandyk77
    brandyk77 Posts: 605 Member
    Running is better for weight loss for 2 simple facts

    1) there is more work being done as you have to move your body's full weight
    2) the hunger suppressive effects of cardio are negated due ot water temperature - I used to be a swimmer and man, it is amazing how hungry you get
  • GreenTeaForDays
    GreenTeaForDays Posts: 166 Member
    Running is better for weight loss for 2 simple facts

    1) there is more work being done as you have to move your body's full weight
    2) the hunger suppressive effects of cardio are negated due ot water temperature - I used to be a swimmer and man, it is amazing how hungry you get

    Is it really just because of the temperature? I have noticed that too, but it doesn't make much sense to me. Do you have any more information about that?
  • cafeconleche
    cafeconleche Posts: 29
    BOTH. I used to do swim team....best shape of my life. Of course, I w also a lot younger:) if you can find someone who can help teach you the right way to dothe strokes, you will be a toned up machine in no time.
  • holly1283
    holly1283 Posts: 741 Member
    I am a senior citizen. Swimming is much more conducive to my not so young body. At first I use to be hungry after swimming but am not anymore. I have gone from swimming 1000M in 55 minutes to 1600M (a mile) in 55 min. I eat a little at least an hour before sometimes 2 hours. I have lost 41 lbs. since Jan. and only walk in between swimming. I do have alot to lose but this is one thing I will keep doing. Running--not so much.:noway:
  • brandyk77
    brandyk77 Posts: 605 Member
    Running is better for weight loss for 2 simple facts

    1) there is more work being done as you have to move your body's full weight
    2) the hunger suppressive effects of cardio are negated due ot water temperature - I used to be a swimmer and man, it is amazing how hungry you get

    Is it really just because of the temperature? I have noticed that too, but it doesn't make much sense to me. Do you have any more information about that?

    Just do some google searching on hunger and swimming and core temperature. Basically the theory is that as the water regulates your body's temperate it suppressive the chemical that reduces hunger right after cardio exercise.

    I always knew this due to my experience being a swimmer but I just had a nutritionist PHD tell me the same thing and why and a little "ding ding" happened in my head. Oh that's why I ate like a horse during swim meets!
  • Di3012
    Di3012 Posts: 2,247 Member
    Hi all, Just wondering what everyones thoughts are on most effective exercise ? Just about to drag myself out for a run ( first I a year! ) and husband seems to think swimming is the best form of exercise so not thinking about sticking to that ??? I want to lose weight and tone up a lot any opinions welcome x

    I adore running and that is my chosen activity. However, swimming is brilliant and come to think of it, cycling is great too!

    NO wonder Triathletes have excellent physiques!
  • starslasher1515
    starslasher1515 Posts: 2
    Ok I've read many posts and there are some people that have absolutely no clue what they're talking about. Here are the perks from both running and swimming.

    Running Perks: You will always burn more calories running then you will swimming. You are using mainly you lower body. Your upper body is for stabilization. When running you are told to run in an upright position and keep your arms swinging in a routine fashion to keep balance. Other than that, you are not really using the upper body.

    Running Cons: Joint damage. Hard on bones and can decelerate growth if you are running on a hard surface. If you can run on a track that has the spongy top or on grass so you can protect your joints.

    Swimming Perks: 90% pressure vs air. So when you are swimming you are expanding your lungs much more then you would while running. Swimming is excellent on the joints and defines your body better. You get a full body work out lower, core and upper body and most people that do long distance working out take protein shakes because it does build muscle every where on your body..... for females that are long and lanky and want some definition should look into swimming to get those sexy muscles. Just don't over do it because you can also get big pretty quick.

    Running - Swimming Comparison - Long Distance running is excellent for burn calories only. Long distance running will burn fat as well as muscle and will not define you. If you want to define yourself outside the pool while running. Get into sprinting. Sprinting uses the entire body because you are pushing your arms as hard as you can as well as legs. Your arms aren't just used for balance they are used for building up speed now. Not many people know this. When I was running I would run 3 miles and then sprint 10 X 100 yard sprints ..... but build into it. You open up your longs.... your heart is beating and you get all of the same muscle building concept from the swimming pool except for a few quick twitch muscles. Swimming is just a great all around work out and people say you sweat more running. That is completely untrue. When you are swimming laps and I'm not a great swimmer..... my heart is beating and I'm craving water only 400 yards into swimming my laps. Your body is sweating as much if not more than runners and it's not because you are working any harder. Most indoor racing pools are warmed up you are using your entire body, and every part of your body is sweating.

    I personally do both. Right now I am swimming because I injured myself sprinting with a hip bursa inflammation and swimming is perfect for it now...... so in all honesty, it's always great to have more then one option to do a cardiovascular workout.

    Mike Torres
    University of Central Florida Football

Categories