Can swimming be a good exercise for burning fat?

[ROAD DOG]

Just curious,is it as effective as any other cardio exercise for burning fat?You really don't hear of a whole lot of people swimming as part of their fat loss program,I think it's alot more enjoyable than jogging on a treadmill,just wondering if it's as effective?

 

[huskyguy]

Actually it is not as effective as a cardio exercise, unless you swim-sprints. The good thing about swimming is that is easy on the joints so it is a great exercise for an off day.

 

[jes131]

I have to disagree, mainly by pointing out that swimming is itself a cardio excercise and a great one at that. Remember that "cardio" and "fat burning" are different heart rate zones so--even though we often interchange the terms--make sure you know what you want. A swimming heart rate monitor (you have to use one specifically designed for it) will show you how good swimming can be for either cardio or fat burning. Unless you're doing the back float then you'll see how easy it is to get your heart rate elevated to the desired level.

 

[inked1]

I rate it

 

[Powerathlete]

It is a great way to burn fat. I have known many people who could not otherwise perform cardio without swimming and they lost lots of fat. It's all about calories burned vs. calories consumed.