Swimming vs running?

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 :-)

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

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.

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)

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

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!

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

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.

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!

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