Does Swimming Help You Lose Weight Compared to Working Out in a Gym?

Which is a better workout, working out in a gym or swimming? This is a valid question that many have asked.

No matter how old you are, setting aside time for exercise can give a lot of benefits. Going to the gym or swimming laps are some of the ways to get some exercise.

What are the benefits of getting exercise?

Exercise can reduce the risk of getting diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and many others. Physical activities can have a long-lasting health benefit to a person and it can also improve one’s quality of life. Allotting 30 minutes per day lets you enjoy the benefits of exercise.

Some of the advantages of getting exercise are the following:

-Better weight management

-Lower levels of blood cholesterol

-Reduced risk of having a heart attack

-Reduced risk of getting type 2 diabetes and cancer

-Lower blood pressure

-Stronger muscles, joints, and bones

-Lower risk of getting osteoporosis

-Better recovery when getting sick

-Better mood

-Better sleep

-Feeling more relaxed

-Healthy body, sound mind

There are various studies that connect exercise and a healthy mind. Exercise and workout can help with depression because sweating it out can provide a distraction from negative thoughts and daily worries. Exercising with other people such as going to gyms in Nashville, TN can increase social contact. When you sweat it out, it can lift your mood and improve sleep patterns too.

Make it a point to do any physical activity even just a little. It is better than doing none at all. The best is to have as much activity every day. An increase in daily activities can come from various daily tasks such as walking or cycling, using the stairs instead of the elevator, and walking the rest of the way instead of riding.

Starting a physical activity

If you have a pre-existing condition or if you want to be sure, consult a doctor before starting your physical activity. If a physical activity causes chest pain or dizziness, or if you are at risk for heart disease, getting a doctor’s advice is best.

Gym workout or swimming?

Do you want to develop strength first and then go swimming? Or do you prefer it the other way? What difference does it make? It all depends on what your goals are. 

Swimming first

If you are going to do swimming first before going to the gym, it lets you burn more calories during the gym session because your heart rate has already been increased. This can also increase your metabolism.  By doing swimming first, you are increasing your heart rate and the calories burned are also increased for the whole workout session. One of the downside to this is that you are tired from swimming and may not have enough energy to spend on the gym.

Benefits of swimming

Swimming makes use of all the muscles in the body so whatever stroke you use for swimming, you can get a full-body workout. Water exercises also make your body work harder so even if you stay in the pool for half an hour, it means 45 minutes if you ran or jog.

Along with a healthy lifestyle, swimming can give you a positive mental outlook because of the release of happy hormones.

Regardless of what stress you are facing, regular swimming can help lower stress levels, reduce anxiety and depression and improve the way you sleep.  Even light swimming can give you benefits.

Aside from burning those calories, swimming can also lower the risk of getting diseases. It also allows you to exercise without a sweat.

Going to the gym first

Doing weight training or resistance training in the gym can also be a good way to start fat burning early. After that, swimming can burn fatter.  The downside to starting going to the gym first is that it can be hard to go swimming after a workout because your arms and legs might feel weak.

Benefits of going to gyms in Nashville, TN

Gyms can give you more options in working out and not just a single way to exercise. This can make going to the gym daily not boring at all.

Different types of gym workouts

Depending on your choices among the gyms in Nashville, TN, you can get access to different types of workouts in a single gym.  Here are some of the different ways that you can workout.

Cardio

There are various kinds of cardio equipment in a gym such as spin bikes, treadmills, stair climbers, rowing machines, and recumbent bikes.  You can alternate among equipment and your 30-minute cardio workout for 3-5 days a week.

Fitness classes

Fitness classes are great gym workouts because you can work out with other people and get encouraged and motivated at the same time. 

Strength training

Going to the weight room 2-3 times a week can keep your muscles toned, healthy and strong. You also get to keep healthy bones and control your weight. Focusing on full-body workouts and targeting each muscle group can also help in strength training.

Other gym facilities

Bigger gyms also offer other activities such as basketball, swimming, indoor track, and many others.

Watch out for over-training

Sometimes you get focused on your goal that makes you want to hurry up with everything. This can do more harm than good to your body. Exercise properly, eat a healthy diet and practice a good lifestyle. Going to the gym but not eating well does not complete the entire package of becoming healthy.

Choosing a place to workout

Whether you choose to swim or work out, find a place that is near your area so that even if you are tired after work, you do not have to make an excuse that you have to go too far. The problem with exercising is that a person has to be committed to it. If you are just starting, it can pose to be a challenge at first. But eventually, you will get the hang of it.