The Best Swimming Exercises To Lose Weight

Swimming is one of the most complete exercises that exist. You’ve probably heard it said many times. And it is true. When we practice them, we not only burn fat, but we also contribute to developing our respiratory capacities, as stated in this research carried out by the Central University of Ecuador. Thus, the conditions of the cardiovascular system improve.

Swimming is also a physical activity that can be carried out by people of any age, as suggested by this study carried out by the University of Lleida (Spain). It also does not require special equipment, beyond a swimsuit. You only have to add a hat and glasses if it is practiced in public swimming pools.

But, did you know that swimming could also help you lose weight? We tell you the details in this article.

Before starting…

Have you been thinking about swimming as an alternative to lose weight, but have you never been in a pool before? If so, we anticipate that you do not have to worry. As the exercise days go by, you will feel more comfortable and start losing weight almost without realizing it. By then, it’s these three tips:

1. The first goal will be to lose your fear of water or try to stay as long as possible without leaning on the edges. According to this study by the University of León, this panic must be resolved as soon as possible (with or without help), it will not bring us problems in the future. You probably need the help of a float. In this initial stage, the movements will not be optimal, so you will not go far in the water. It is preferable that you focus on doing the ones that feel best to you.
2. Movements in the water will be shy at first. You should never lose sight of the fact that the goal is to  lose weight and not to develop styles, not even the two easiest: the free and the back. You could help yourself with some “life preservers” of arms and also those known as “small boards”, to learn to kick.
3. Learning to breathe in water should be one of your goals.  To do this, you could start the training day in the shallow part of the pool. And, holding on to the curb, submerge your body in the water until it covers your face, even trying to breathe through your nose. Then take your head out of the water and breathe. This is what is known by the name of “bombs”. They constitute a magnificent exercise, also breathing. Increase our aerobic capacity. Repeat this 10 repetitions at the beginning. When you have been training for several days, you could gradually increase them until you reach 20 repetitions per day.

Images courtesy of Jim Bahn, Daniel Wetzel and Ajuntament d’Esplugues

Yamila Papa Painter

Yamila Papa Pintor is a journalist specialized in sports (Circle of sports journalists, 2006-2008). Between 2010 and 2011 he worked as a sports journalist at “Argentinos Pasión”. Since 2011 he has been writing articles on different topics: health, sports, travel, pets and cooking recipes, among them. In addition, she is a radio and television announcer, and a great enthusiast for natural life. She is a vegetarian and an active participant in a foundation in charge of planting trees in her home country, Argentina. As for languages, he is fluent in English and Portuguese, and has a basic level of Arabic. He recently completed his training with the course: “Introduction to Food and Health”  (Stanford University, 2019)