Swimming vs. Walking

Are you looking for a way to burn calories and get more fit? If so, be prepared for people to suggest all kinds of exercise to you.

More than likely, several people will tell you that they swear by swimming or walking. And, the truth is, that both forms of exercise can work wonders for people.

After all, they’re simple, anyone can do them, and they burn calories steadily. However, one burns more calories than the other and tends to be more effective at garnering fast fitness results.

Swimming for the Win!

If you guessed that swimming was the higher calorie burner, you’re right! For a person who weighs 150 pounds, thirty minutes of swimming burns, on average, about 207 calories. Walkers of the same weight only burn an average of 95 calories per half hour.

Of course, with both exercises, you can increase the calorie burn by upping the speed, but swimming still provides a heartier calorie burn.

Why Not Do Both?

Even though swimming is a better calorie burner, that doesn’t mean walking doesn’t have value.

Walking does still burn calories, it gets you moving, and it can be fun. In fact, it’s a great second choice on days when it’s too cold to swim or when you just need a change of pace.

So, if you like walking, don’t fret over the fact that it doesn’t burn quite as many calories. After all, calorie burn isn’t what ti’s all about.

Instead, consider combining walking and swimming into a regular routine that works for you. Maybe you swim one day and walk the next, or maybe you swim two days and walk the third. If you’re really trying to get fit, you might swim in the morning or walk at night.

No matter what you do, the important thing is to stay active! Whether it’s through walking, swimming, or both, what matters most is putting your health first and getting results.