How Swimming Compares with Land Workouts

Swimming is clearly one of the best forms of exercise besides being an enjoyable and fun-filled activity. However one frequently asked question about swimming is that is it any different from other land workouts and if so what is the difference? Which is better? Find out more.

Tones your muscles

Swimming is one sport that works all your major muscle groups. Very few sports can do this. Although it may appear that you are using only your shoulders, arms and legs while swimming but in reality almost all large muscle groups play a part. Since most of the power, which you need for swimming, comes from the upper half of your body except during butterfly where it is equal to the lower half, you see changes in your chest, shoulders and arms more quickly. However your lower half also plays an important part. The breaststroke kick is especially good for your inner and outer thigh muscles. Swimming is one sport and workout where your body fat actually helps you as it adds to your buoyancy and makes swimming easy.

Calorie burning and swimming

Although swimming is not considered as the best calorie burner but there is no doubt that you actually burn calories while swimming. If you are aiming for weight loss by burning calories then land-based exercises like tread mill, running and weight training are better and less cumbersome. However, experts estimate that if your weight is 150 pounds and you swim at a moderate pace freestyle than you will lose 600 calories in an hour. Interestingly, your calories burned will increase slightly in cold water, as your body has to do some extra work to keep itself warm in the cold water.

You can get dehydrated in water

You may not feel it while swimming, or even otherwise, but swimming can dehydrate you. Swimming is a good whole body workout and if done at a good pace can break a lot of sweat. However since you are in water, which acts as a coolant, you may not feel thirsty. A vigorous and continuous swimming for about 45 minutes is enough to take a drink break. Just get out of the pool for five minutes to drink some water or keep your water bottle ready by the side of the pool. Unlike land workouts you may not get sweaty or feel thirsty but after swimming you need some water so don't ignore it or you may fall ill.

Swimming is a good physical training pursuit but remember it is different from all land exercises and has its own set of precautions and benefits that should be adhered to get the most out of your swim.