When comparing equal intensity exercise of swimming to cycling and found that swimming resulted in a larger post-exercise increase in calories. These studies suggest a possible relationship between body temperature during exercise and appetite.
SWIMMING WORKOUTS FOR WEIGHT LOSS SUMMARY
- Swimming workouts for weight loss are often recommended but resistance exercise may be a better choice for appetite control.
- Swimming may be good for cardiovascular health, but appetite increases after cold exposure.
- When comparing equal intensity exercise of swimming to cycling and found that swimming resulted in a larger post-exercise increase in calories.
Introduction
Swimming is a leisure time activity often used to increase physical fitness. Swimming is often a choice for individuals looking to perform an exercise in a non-weight-bearing environment.
Many people have wondered why does swimming make you tired? Swim workouts for weight loss are very common because swimming involves large amounts of calories burned. A typical 30-minute swim workout for weight loss can burn 250 calories. If you are looking for the exact amount of calories burned for each swimming exercise, check out the calories burned swimming calculator.
DOES SWIMMING MAKE YOU LOSE WEIGHT?
Swimming may provide aerobic benefits, but it’s not suitable for those looking to lose body fat. In obese individuals, swimming was found to have no impact on body weight and fat loss, whereas walking and cycling interventions of similar intensity and duration do.(1)
It has also been found that exercise in cold-water results in large increases in appetite after exercise. For example, cycling in cold water compared to neutral water resulted in a 44% increase in energy intake compared to cycling in neutral water. The average energy intake for the cold water exercising group was 877 calories (+/- 457 kcal).(2)
DOES SWIMMING MAKE YOU LOSE WEIGHT?
Coldwater activities such as swimming result in a drop in the body’s core temperature. Cold exposure has been found to increase appetite, whereas hot temperatures decrease appetite.(3) Researchers measured energy intake after subjects cycled for 30 minutes in cold water (22°C), warm water (34°C), or cycled on land and then allowed them to eat at a buffet after.
At the end of the study, those cycling in cold water consumed significantly more calories than all other trials at a buffet meal provided immediately after exercise. Furthermore, energy intake in the warm water trial was significantly less than in all other trials.(4)
Other studies have replicated these findings when comparing equal-intensity exercise of swimming to cycling and found that swimming resulted in a larger post-exercise increase in calories.(5) Both swimming and cycling groups were still in a caloric deficit after exercise, but the cycling group had a greater caloric deficit because they ate less.
Swimmers have higher body fat levels than runners and cyclists, expending similar or less energy during exercise. (6) These studies suggest a possible relationship between body temperature during exercise and appetite. Swimming exercise for weight loss may not be a good strategy compared to other exercises due to increases in appetite.
SWIMMING WORKOUTS FOR WEIGHT LOSS KEY POINTS
· Swimming may be good for cardiovascular health, but appetite increases after cold exposure.
· When comparing equal intensity exercise of swimming to cycling and found that swimming resulted in a larger post-exercise increase in calories.
REFERENCES
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