Losing weight is no easy task, but making the weight loss journey enjoyable and effective can be a tongue in cheek process. When it comes to burning calories, there are a few of your favourite cardio workouts people like to compare and pit against each other, two of which being swimming and running. Both are excellent for general fitness, but you may wonder which is better for weight loss. Let’s discover the pros in favor of each activity to help you determine which is the best for your goals. Source to discover how these workouts stack up against each other.
Swimming vs Running
Calorie Burn and Weight Loss
In terms of calories burned, swimming and running can provide similar results. But running is generally more energy-intensive on a minute-per-minute level, since it requires more impact and effort to overcome air resistance and gravity. For instance, a 160-pound person can expect to burn about 606 calories per hour swimming at a moderate pace and 606-861 calories per hour running at 5 mph.
Swimming, meanwhile, uses just about every major muscle group, from arms and legs to that oh-so-important core. This total-body workout targets all the major muscles that can help you build lean muscle, and in turn, boost your resting metabolism. So while running may provide a slightly higher immediate calorie burn, swimming has the edge when it comes to building long-term fat burning potential through muscle building.
Muscle Engagement and Toning
Swimming has been proven to give you an all over body workout. Different muscles are used in each stroke, from shoulders to chest to legs to glutes. Constant water resistance also makes it an ideal strength training tool.
Running works the lower body more than the upper body, focusing much of that effort in the calves, thighs and glutes. It may not work the upper body as much as swimming, but it is a good lower-body workout as well as muscle-builder and cardio option.
Accessibility and Convenience
Running is an exercise that doesn’t require much: a good pair of shoes and some clothes that you don’t mind getting sweaty. And you can do it almost anywhere, making it an exercise pretty much anyone can do. You can easily integrate it into your day, whether at a treadmill desk or on an outdoor path.
Swimming involves a pool, which is not as easy for everyone to get to. It also requires appropriate swimwear and, in some cases, membership or a fee for using a facility. This is good, but it may be difficult to maintain with limited access.
Which One Should You Choose?
The optimum workout for weight loss will vary depending on different individual taste, physical fitness, and lifestyle. If you like to be outside, would simply like an easy and fast workout and you lack any joint issues, running could be your go-to.
Conclusion
Both swimming and running can support your weight loss goals, but the best choice depends on what works best for you. Consider your body, schedule, and interests before making a decision. Staying consistent and motivated is more important than choosing the “perfect” exercise.
Swimming and running can both help you lose weight, but whether one is more effective than the other depends on what works best for you. Think about your body, timing and what sounds like fun for you. Consistency and motivation is far more important than the “ideal” exercise. Whether it’s swimming, running or just a balanced mix of the two, what’s most important is that you enjoy what you’re doing and can stick with it.