Swimming vs. Jogging

Since I have recently decided to burn a few calories, I inquired as to the best possible ways of achieving it. Though there are many, if you want to achieve maximum potential, you will focus on those that require a bit more endurance and determination. Swimming and jogging per se. These two exercises work out every part of the body and are a couple of the most common ways of burning fat.

Every time I see a professional swimmer, I admire their physique. Though I am sure they have a healthy diet that is a top contributor to their appearance, I can also imagine the endurance it takes to swim laps. For those who have been swimming before recreationally, you understand that there is less pressure on your body because you are submerged. This is the reason why there are less injuries associated with swimming, because your joints and bones will rarely ever conflict with hard surfaces, etc. While you are constantly submerged, you are constantly creating resistance with the water. Each move, regardless of direction, is building muscle as you push and pull your weight around. Not only does it provide for great muscle retention, but cardio as well. Apparently, the resistance of water is ten times that of air. So unless your are running against a typhoon, you will obviously build muscle quicker while swimming than jogging. And let's face it; we don't have to worry about the sweat and stickiness.

While swimming may provide more resistance and better muscle development, is it better cardio than jogging? Jogging also comes equipped with many benefits. Studies show that not only does running significantly decrease your percentage of body fat, but also reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and high blood pressure. It is difficult to determine which of the two burn calories quicker, as it depends on your speed and time involved. The quicker the movements, the quicker the calories burn. Not too mention, walking 2-3 miles per hour will take much longer than jogging or swimming that distance.

A few disadvantages I see with both are as follows. Jogging may prove more enduring mentally. While swimming, you are gliding through the water gracefully; jogging, you may be causing tension on the ankles and legs as you pound the concrete and eventually you are bound to break a sweat. My only concern with swimming is that it can be dangerous if pushed to extreme limits unsupervised. For swimmers with little experience, you need to understand your stamina. Becoming fatigued in the middle of deep waters can easily become dangerous. Joggers can easily slow their speed or reduce it to a walk if too much pressure is inserted on their muscles. Stretching can warm up these muscles and decrease your chances of sprains, etc. For both exercises, know your limits and improve on them gradually. Which are you, a swimmer or a jogger?