Swimming x Running

[Cassio]

Hi,

I am trying to keep a healthy exercise habit. I have the option to swim in a nice swimming pool at my condo or to run near the beach.

My goal is to improve my mental and physical health.

What do you think is the most efficient way to exercise? Swimming or running?

Thanks!

[NotesMaeve]

Both are great exercises. Why not interchange them?

[SmellyOrc]

Run for 30 minutes on the beach, then dive in the water for another 30 minute swim ;P

[Jim11]

They're both good. Just start doing one or both and pick which one you like doing better. If you do either of those or a combination of the 2 consistently, I'm sure it will have the desired effect.

[Buddy]

As long as you are sound structurally I'd always pick an exercise with natural gravity-running. It's like if someone is in space for a long time. They start to lose bone density. We NEED gravity to function in these bodies.

[Ibanez]

Originally Posted by Buddy

As long as you are sound structurally I'd always pick an exercise with natural gravity-running. It's like if someone is in space for a long time. They start to lose bone density. We NEED gravity to function in these bodies.

That's half right. Swimming shouldn't be your only exercise because you'll lose BMD (bone mineral density) just swimming, that's why many swimmers do strength training. Studies have also shown that swimmers have the lowest BMD.

But swimming is a very good exercise, along with running.

[Buddy]

But he wants one. Swimming lacks gravity and is less effective aerobically (re: weight loss).

[songwriter]

I prefer walking. I think the human body is made basically from walking. World Health Organization advices walking 30 minutes a day or so. It's as good for your body as for your mind. Some people prefer jogging, running... well, if you have no time for walking, running will require less time for you.

[eblight]

Swimming is certainly a lot less stressful on joints than running. I would swim often if I had access to a pool that wasn't chemically treated with chlorine. I gave up swimming for that reason and now walk and jog on the beach in fresh air.

[Buddy]

Running is NOT stressful on an aligned bodies joints. We are designed to run. We can do everything our design allows us if our weight bearing joints are aligned. The problem is the vast majority of people (myself included) don't exercise all of our range of motion. We did we we needed our full ROM for survival.

[AddictiveX]

Running I find is alot better exercise than swimming, it is easy to become lazy when swimming if you are not diciplined, and you will just stop and rest, or tread water. Running when the treadmill is going or you have a circuit to finish just pushes you that bit further. Running does not hurt your joints if done correctly, using the standard running techniques.

Yous should run first and then go swimming, the swimming can be your cool down exercise (after you've pushed yourself at it for a while)

x

[AddictiveX]

P.s - I've just posted an article on another site i'm a regular at with regards running technique, feel free to take a look.

Correct Running Technique - The Community for Excellence Forum

[Phil Parkinson]

If you are looking to burn fat, then swimming absolutely is not the best exercise for you.

Recent studies prove that it is not a good exercise if you are looking to cut down your levels of body fat. If you PM me, I will send you a link to the article.

Phil x

[Cassio]

Thanks for the advices. I had never heard of BMD.

I usually surf on weekends. I think that's enough swimming. So, I'll try to run at least 3 times a week.

[AtriumGuy]

Hey Cassio--

I think they are both great. Swimming is truly wonderful to get toned muscles and is a great cardio workout (I used to be a swimmer)!

Running is also good, but the downside is it can be tough on the knees. The constant pounding is not good for the joints....so if I had to choose one I would swim....although I feel the best workout would be to integrate both!

[Buddy]

Again, why would something we are designed to do be detrimental? It's not bad for any joints, only misaligned joints. The problem with modern life is we don't have enough range of motion activities. This causes reduced ROM which causes compensation which causes the body to lose its natural alignment with gravity. Only then are many activities harmful.

[The David]

I've heard that underwater swimming is the best way to increase lung capacity.