I want to take up swimming for fitness (1 Viewer)

[Sand]

There is no such thing as 'cardio' generally. Your bodies ability to efficiently supply your movement is very specific to that movement. So if your 'running cardio' is good that's relatively meaningless. Swimming uses different muscles.

One of the myths of exercise that surprises people (like you, they mistakenly think that because they are efficient at running that should carry over to other 'cardio' activities).

Wouldn't someone who does more aerobic exercise have an advantage over someone who doesn't no matter the movement?

Yes, but he's right in that the body is pretty specific in its adaptations. Running will help cycling somewhat (and vice versa) but the relationship to swimming is very low.

No doubt that a marathoner in the pool will do better than a tub of lard, though.

 

[mr roboto]

There is no such thing as 'cardio' generally. Your bodies ability to efficiently supply your movement is very specific to that movement. So if your 'running cardio' is good that's relatively meaningless. Swimming uses different muscles.

One of the myths of exercise that surprises people (like you, they mistakenly think that because they are efficient at running that should carry over to other 'cardio' activities).

Wouldn't someone who does more aerobic exercise have an advantage over someone who doesn't no matter the movement?

Yes, but he's right in that the body is pretty specific in its adaptations. Running will help cycling somewhat (and vice versa) but the relationship to swimming is very low.

No doubt that a marathoner in the pool will do better than a tub of lard, though.

This. Obviously a runner will swim better than a non-runner who also doesn't swim and is overweight. But a guy 30 lbs overweight who does no running could spend 1 week swimming and have better 'swimming cardio' than the runner most likely. Running and cycling both use the same muscles so there's more cross benefit there. Think about basketball players getting into their first week of practice after the off season. They need to get their 'wind' back because the rapid start/stop is different from longer distance running. Your cardio efficiency (heart and lungs ability to efficiently deliver oxygen/remove waste) is shockingly path specific.

 

[Dentist]

The worse you are at swimming the better the exercise it is. Get good at the technique and it's a far worse workout

I bet this is true, but I also think that becoming a good swimmer is a worth-while skill to have.

agreed

 

[Dickies]

For the record, I completely disagree that the exercise becomes less effective as you become a better swimmer. I'd argue it's the complete opposite.

 

[AAABatteries]

The worse you are at swimming the better the exercise it is. Get good at the technique and it's a far worse workout

I bet this is true, but I also think that becoming a good swimmer is a worth-while skill to have.

agreed

I agree with Sand and Mr. Roboto - while you are working hard if you have bad form you aren't necessarily getting a great workout. More likely you are getting frustrated and more likely to give it up. I'm plenty spent after swimming a mile straight and I think I have decent form.