Swimming for cardio...does it break down muscle?

[Judoka48]

I never do cardio on leg days...but I was wondering if anyone knew if it is ok to swim. Any information on this topic would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[mrbeverage]

if your body needs energy to fuel swimming and there is none that is easily accessable, then yes, muscle is on the menu. In swimming, glycogen storage is key.
i saw a special on cable about this chap that swam the English Channel, he had a "carb up" prior to his swim that added 15 lbs to his body weight.
depending when the picture is taken of Micheal Phelps, his chest size/volume is never the same. sometimes it is full, other times it is flat.

[mrbeverage]

having said that, you cant beat swimming for fat burning/metabolism boosting. on will brinks web site there is a meter that compares calories burned to different forms of aerobic movements, swimming hands down is the most calorically expensive form of exercise.

[Judoka48]

Originally Posted by mrbeverage

if your body needs energy to fuel swimming and there is none that is easily accessable, then yes, muscle is on the menu. In swimming, glycogen storage is key.
i saw a special on cable about this chap that swam the English Channel, he had a "carb up" prior to his swim that added 15 lbs to his body weight.
depending when the picture is taken of Micheal Phelps, his chest size/volume is never the same. sometimes it is full, other times it is flat.

Thanks for the help! I am looking for for a way to still burn calories on leg days without putting the hard earning muscle at risk. I thought some nice easy laps in the pool would do the trick...but maybe not a good idea.

[db2012]

I swam almost every morning on an empty stomach for 45min-1hr for my last 6 week diet. You can see how that turned out, I lost very little muscle. I injured my knee and this was the only way I could finish the diet.