Any success stories losing weight swimming?

caliv0608
caliv0608 Posts: 18 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am trying to lose weight and for exercising I have a few obstacles. Have a few health problems, joint issues and I live in a 2nd floor apartment. So because of all that, I'm looking for alternatives to aerobic exercise. Most DVDs that I have used in the past involve a lot of jumping or stomping which has my knees screaming after a few minutes, and I'm sure would not be appreciated by my downstairs neighbor.

I really enjoy swimming, and I think physically I could handle kicking it up a notch to keep my heart rate up. But would this actually help me lose weight? I've heard conflicting things. I know my muscles would probably tone up, but I want to lose flab too.

Replies

  • PennyVonDread
    PennyVonDread Posts: 432 Member
    Yes. Calorie deficit and moderate exercise melt flab over time.
  • petitekisses
    petitekisses Posts: 3 Member
    After having my daughter I started swimming the following summer and the weight seemed to melt off.
  • YorriaRaine
    YorriaRaine Posts: 370 Member
    Weight loss is mostly about diet, exercise is mostly about fitness.

    That being said, when I was young my right knee (and a little bit of my left) got into several series of accidents and even with physical therapy it never really felt good to run or do any high intensity stuff ever again.

    Swimming is excellent, and depending on how you swim can get your heart rate up. I also really like to rebound, which is a mini trampoline. Depending on the quality of rebounder you get, it can be really really nice way to get your heart rate up without hurting your knees. I have both but I only have my pool available maybe 3-4 months out of year so I rebound the rest.

    T25 has some nice modifier workouts, though, keep in mind I found there was 1 video in all the different cycles (alpha, beta, gamma) where they have you be on the floor with weight on your knees a lot. I personally have to skip these videos, my knees cannot support my weight on the floor. I just do something else those days.
  • fishermanmatt
    fishermanmatt Posts: 308 Member
    When I started out other forms of exercise hurt so I stuck to the pool and swam. I would do laps for an hour 5-6 times per week. Combined with a healthy diet, it's how I lost my first 50 pounds.
  • caliv0608
    caliv0608 Posts: 18 Member
    I definitely agree about diet playing a larger role- any time in the past that I have lost weight it has been because of a major shift in my eating habits. I once went to the gym several times a week for 6 months and saw no change in my weight at all. I am working now to get back to good eating, but I will admit it's hard to back off of the sneaky little habits that are sabotaging my weight. Since having my daughter I've done all kinds of weird things I never used to like eating late and "grazing". So while I get that under control, I want to focus on my fitness as well. Even if I don't lose tons of weight, I hope that I will begin to just feel better and more energetic. It sucks getting winded carrying groceries up the stairs!

    Thanks for the replies everyone, I think swimming will be a good start for me.
  • guinevere96
    guinevere96 Posts: 1,445 Member
    Back when I lived in an apartment complex with a pool, I lost 20 pounds by swimming every day for about a month and half. I have some joint issues too so it was a real relief to see results from something that was so much easier for me! :)

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