{"id":1587,"date":"2019-03-01T11:35:24","date_gmt":"2019-03-01T11:35:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.raceatyourpace.com\/?p=1587"},"modified":"2019-03-01T11:35:24","modified_gmt":"2019-03-01T11:35:24","slug":"swimming-for-weight-loss-how-to-lose-weight-swimming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.raceatyourpace.com\/swimming-for-weight-loss-how-to-lose-weight-swimming\/","title":{"rendered":"Swimming for Weight Loss \u2013 How to Lose Weight Swimming"},"content":{"rendered":"

For those wanting to lose weight, keep active and become fitter, swimming is the perfect workout. It\u2019s a fun, full body exercise that utilises multiple muscle groups, helping to build strength, improve stamina and burn calories in a relaxed environment. It can be enjoyed all-year round, either with friends or on your own, and at a pace that suits you and your ability and experience.<\/p>\n

In this mini guide, we\u2019ve explained everything you need to know about swimming for weight loss and provided some handy tips for helping you along the way.<\/p>\n

Best Swimming Stroke for Weight Loss<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are a variety of strokes to practice when taking to the pool. Each stroke uses different muscles and provides different benefits, so it\u2019s advised you use a mixture to ensure your whole body is worked and your muscle groups are balanced.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a quick overview of the benefits of the most common strokes:<\/p>\n

Butterfly<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The butterfly stroke is generally considered to be the most effective stroke for losing weight and toning your muscles. It\u2019s difficult to learn, but once mastered can be of great benefit for your body, particularly your arms, chest, shoulders and back muscles. Short bursts of muscular power and movement are needed to perform this unusual technique, so expect to become tired quickly when practicing this style.<\/p>\n

Front Crawl\/Freestyle<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The front crawl is the fastest and most common stroke, primarily working your core, hips, shoulders, back and legs. It requires you to constantly kick and continuously lift your arms in and out of the water whilst keeping your body straight. Due to its fast nature, it\u2019s another stroke effective at burning calories.<\/p>\n

Backstroke<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The backstroke tasks you to lie on your back while kicking your legs and propelling your arms, ideal for those who aren\u2019t too comfortable with putting their face underwater of find breathing while swimming difficult. It strengthens your core muscles and works the major muscles in your arms and legs as well as improves the flexibility of your hips.<\/p>\n

Breaststroke<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Usually favoured by beginners and those less experienced, breaststroke is a slower and more gentle technique working the whole body. It\u2019s not the quickest at burning calories but is a good stroke for those wanting to build up their confidence in the water. Your chest, arms, thighs, back and legs are the areas of the body worked most when performing this style.<\/p>\n

Any form of swimming you do is going to be beneficial for your health. Cardiovascular activities are regarded as the most effective way for losing weight, so as long as your technique is correct, you\u2019ll be heading in the right direction regardless of the stroke you perform.<\/p>\n

Swimming Tips for Weight Loss<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Here are some of our top tips for getting the best results when swimming for weight loss \u2013<\/p>\n