Swimming or Running?

[8000]

Which one would you say is more effective for losing fat?

[JSim83]

Which one would you say is more effective for losing fat?

Do what you like more and control the fat loss trough diet. However, the best result will be if you focus on lifting weights instead of cardio.

[melDorado]

Apparently the worse you are at swimming the more calories you burn
I'd say swimming

[marcosmith120]

From my opinion, running is better. Running well for health as well as weight lose.

[etet1919]

Running is always going to burn more calories or help you lose more weight....That's one reason most weightlifters opt not to run. And swimming(in itself) is not an optimal choice for burning the most fat or calories, unless you are a competitive athlete who strength trains and does other high intensity conditioning regimens..

[xsquid99]

Both can burn a lot depending on the intensity. There is a reason that Michael Phelps had to eat 12,000 calories a day while he was training.

[etet1919]

Both can burn a lot depending on the intensity. There is a reason that Michael Phelps had to eat 12,000 calories a day while he was training.

Yeah, he was the GOAT of short distance COMPETITIVE swimming in OLYMPIC history.....That's clearly not the majority on here....

[SuffolkPunch]

I prefer cardio that has a slight resistance element and low joint impact. Therefore, most things are better than running: swimming, cycling, rowing, stepper machine etc.

[sunsean]

I like running personally - best bang for your buck. But the “friendlier” exercise is swimming, low impact and offers some resistance for stimulation.

The simplicity of running is one reason I prefer it - you don’t need a special location or equipment.

The important thing is both (along with other cardio) will burn calories.

[jackharrywa]

Both factors are much efficient for weight loss. But running is the most effective for the overall body. Because our body warms up overall and totally move. Also Swimming boost our lungs and improve other parts of our body.

[Zjunky]

There is no right answer for everyone. Do the one you can do most consistently. If you hate swimming - run. If you have shin splints or foot issues - swim.

Do whichever you will do on a regular basis.

[Tommy W.]

Swimming burns a ton of calories as you're using many more muscle groups. Intensity in both will dictate calories burned in a certain time frame. Running is easier, you just RUN. Swimming is more complicated. Between having to find a pool and having proper technique, it's not easy for everyone. Poor swimming technique will destroy your shoulders, while running for some people in certain conditions will destroy your knees.

[alexincabo]

Whatever you enjoy and can stick to, maybe even mix them around. I'd recommend doing HIIT for either as to shorten your sessions and stay engaged during them.

Which one would you say is more effective for losing fat?

[xsquid99]

Yeah, he was the GOAT of short distance COMPETITIVE swimming in OLYMPIC history.....That's clearly not the majority on here....

Did you really think I was implying that everyone on here is going to burn 12,000 calories swimming? Come on now. The point was obvious, that you can burn a lot of calories in the pool.

Max pace freestyle swimming for an hour vs. max pace running for an hour is going to be a pretty close call.