Thread: Swimming or gym?

In ur opinion, which is the most effective form of exercise? Doing 1 hour cardio in the gym or swimming for 1 hour non stop? I spoke to a friend yesterday who said she has cut down in gym and is doing swimming instead and has seen a huge difference. Xxx

The best exercise is the one that you enjoy doing most and are most likely to stick to in the long term. There's no point going swimming if you can't stand it or won't keep it up. Having said that, doing different types of exercise rather than just one is also better cos it challanges your body in different ways and stops you from getting bored. So a combination of gym and swimming is probably the best way forwards.

I really enjoy swimming and I'd like to lose weight the quickest and safest way. Thankyou for replying x

i prefer swimming, i usually do 80 lengths, 3-4 times a week and i've lost weight slowly and steadily, together with a healthy diet it seems to be working the best for me, and i find it very relaxing and zen like...

I love swimming. It's easier on the joints and you're actually learning a valuable skill as opposed to a stair master. I got one of those Nu Underwater mp3 players so I can listen to audio books and music while I swim.

I would say swimming to, because I love swimming! I would swim all day if I could! But I go to the gym too

Gym may be boring and stressful, but swimming is relaxing and helpful for your respiration too

swimming is best exercise, it recruits all the major muscle groups, including the shoulders, back, abdominals, legs, hips, and glutes.

Does it matter which stroke u do? I can only swim breast stroke comfortably xx

I love swimming and with a lovely swimming pool a 5 minute walk away I have no excuse not to go! I live in a student area and get worried that people will giggle at me in my swimming costume though!

I would say swimming, but I guess it's what ou feel most comfortable with

I'm another swimming fan - low impact on joints is my main reason as I have large joint sockets that grind together (hyper mobility syndrome) so running/jogging would be very painful. I used to cycle but I can't really hold my weight up on the bars any more. Swimming is great although I've hit a brick walk with it and can't seem to push beyond it. I always feel refreshed afterwards and my joints are much better for it

I have had better results swimming but its what you are comfortable with

I've joined a gym recently and feel I prefer swimming. I don't know which is best for weight loss but after the gym I feel tired but after swimming I feel energized.

in my experience swimming is best everytime. I have toned up better with swimming than i ever do at the gym. Swimming uses all your muscles at once. Good luck guys :-)