Advantages of swimming?

swimming works out everything! it's one of the fasted and most effective workouts, and burns a butt load of calories

Absolutely

I swim three-four days a week a work everything. I have really bad knees and a lot of pain in my lower back because i have a large chest. Since I started swimming again I have no knee pain what so ever. Which is awesome! Also I swam for 70 mins today and burned just over 1000 calories. Obviously your calorie burn depends on your weight but it is an awesome workout.

Swimming is great for:
-recovering from injury (depends on the injury)
-works all your muscles - especially core, back, shoulders, and if you are kicking correctly - your hips, thighs, hammies
-can increase your endurance
-give you a good night sleep
-proven to reduce stress

Not as good as running (IMO) b/c:
-harder to lose weight using swimming as your sole cardio workout, (you need to be in the pool constantly swimming for long period of time in order to really have a significant impact)
-makes you really hungry afterwards
-technique is crucial for a good swim workout

Ways to improve your swim workout if you are getting started:
-spend the time working on proper technique, it makes swimming more enjoyable and you'll be able to swim longer
-until you build endurance to do long swims like (1+ mile), do HIIT in the pool, really really good workout - sprint down one length of the pool, rest and sprint back.
-alternate between freestyle and breaststroke - I do this alot because I can't freestyle for longer than a quarter mile without having to take a break or breaststroke and i rather keep moving than rest.
-emphasize again: work on technique, go on youtube, ask others in the pool with you (this is how i learned the proper breastroke technique and freestyle flip turns, i've never been turned down when I asked someone for help)

I will say it.
Swimming is the single best exercise for cardio and a full body workout.
It's great for those who want a good burn without stressing the joints.

If there was one exercise to do, swimming would be it for sure.
I incorporate swimming into my regular routine mostly in the summer.

I go full pace for anaerobic muscle training, then slow it down and lap swim for a solid cardio session.
And depending on your stroke, you can work the whole body.
LOVE IT!

swimming works out everything! it's one of the fasted and most effective workouts, and burns a butt load of calories

You only burn a butt load of calories if you are swimming for long periods and without much rest. The after burn from a run makes for a much better workout than the pool...unless you are Michael Phelps of course.

There is a slight issue I found .. swimming in cold water typically starts a massive hunger sensation for me. After swimming a mile I feel like i can eat a horse ... I found one way to stop the cravings is after a swim, sauna or steam room for 15 and then hot tub for 15.

OH and also these.
Underwater MP3 player ... HELLS YEAH!

http://www.amazon.com/FINIS-SwiMP3-1G-Waterproof-MP3-Player/dp/B002LBQWMG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1327973707&sr=8-3

not sure if this will work but ..

There is a slight issue I found .. swimming in cold water typically starts a massive hunger sensation for me. After swimming a mile I feel like i can eat a horse ... I found one way to stop the cravings is after a swim, sauna or steam room for 15 and then hot tub for 15.

OH and also these.
Underwater MP3 player ... HELLS YEAH!

http://www.amazon.com/FINIS-SwiMP3-1G-Waterproof-MP3-Player/dp/B002LBQWMG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1327973707&sr=8-3

not sure if this will work but ..

omg that is so cool! I want one! And I wish there was a sauna and / or hot tub where I swim. :brokenheart:

There is a slight issue I found .. swimming in cold water typically starts a massive hunger sensation for me. After swimming a mile I feel like i can eat a horse ... I found one way to stop the cravings is after a swim, sauna or steam room for 15 and then hot tub for 15.

OH and also these.
Underwater MP3 player ... HELLS YEAH!

http://www.amazon.com/FINIS-SwiMP3-1G-Waterproof-MP3-Player/dp/B002LBQWMG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1327973707&sr=8-3

not sure if this will work but ..

omg that is so cool! I want one! And I wish there was a sauna and / or hot tub where I swim. :brokenheart:

best part about it .. it clips onto your goggles and rests on your temple type area (just in front of your ear and transfers the sound through the bone into thte ear canal .. FREAKING SWEET .. I have a pair and setup my MP3 play list to mimic the tempo of my swimming giving me rest breaks in between fast sets.!

There is a slight issue I found .. swimming in cold water typically starts a massive hunger sensation for me. After swimming a mile I feel like i can eat a horse ... I found one way to stop the cravings is after a swim, sauna or steam room for 15 and then hot tub for 15.

OH and also these.
Underwater MP3 player ... HELLS YEAH!

http://www.amazon.com/FINIS-SwiMP3-1G-Waterproof-MP3-Player/dp/B002LBQWMG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1327973707&sr=8-3

not sure if this will work but ..

omg that is so cool! I want one! And I wish there was a sauna and / or hot tub where I swim. :brokenheart:

best part about it .. it clips onto your goggles and rests on your temple type area (just in front of your ear and transfers the sound through the bone into thte ear canal .. FREAKING SWEET .. I have a pair and setup my MP3 play list to mimic the tempo of my swimming giving me rest breaks in between fast sets.!

Totally asking for one of these for my birthday this year.

here is it in use:

Swimming is great for your leg muscles! I love swimming it makes exercise a whole of a lot more fun!