Contrary to popular belief, swimming is not generally considered an ideal way to lose weight. Unless you are an expert, the movements and strokes are usually less efficient than land-based aerobics.
On the plus side, swimming makes an excellent aerobic conditioner, and it has less impact on the body than running or other aerobics.
Experts disagree on how effective swimming is as a form of weight loss, but you can make it more effective by maintaining proper form and increasing your lap speed.
Improve your swimming technique and formal strokes. It sounds obvious, but studies have shown that serious swimmers–whose movements in the water are smooth and natural–burn considerably more calories than unskilled swimmers who simply paddle around. The better you get at swimming, the more effectively it helps you lose weight.
Alternate between more intensive swimming styles, like freestyle or butterfly, and more leisurely swimming styles, like breaststroke, backstroke or sidestroke. For instance, you could do 3 laps of freestyle and then 1 lap of breaststroke. This will increase and decrease your heart rate, helping you to burn calories more efficiently. (more…)