How Many Calories Does Swimming Burn

There are various styles of swimming, the most commonly practiced are the breast-stroke also known as the frog-style, the freestyle swim strokes and the butterfly stroke swimming which are used for advanced training. The amount of calories burned while swimming depends upon the style. Here, is a table giving information, which will answer your doubts on how many calories swimming burn.

Calories Burned While Swimming

In swimming a person can burn an amazing amount of calories if done the right way. Here, is a table for the amount of calories burned while swimming per hour depending on the swimming activities. On the left side of the table is the swimming activity, and on the right side is the amount of calories burned by swimming per hour according to the body weight.

Swimming Activity	130 lbs	155 lbs	190 lbs
Swimming or treading water with moderate effort	236	281	345
Swimming strokes or treading water with vigorous effort	590	704	863
Synchronized swimming	472	563	690
Swimming sidestroke in general	472	563	690
Swimming at a leisurely pace	354	422	518
Swimming butterfly style in general	649	774	949
Breast stroke style of swimming in general	590	704	863
Swimming backstroke style in general	472	563	690
Swimming laps in freestyle with moderate effort	472	563	690
Swimming laps in freestyle with vigorous effort	590	704	863

Reference: Department of Health and Family Services

Benefits of Swimming Over Other Workouts

After learning about the amount of calories burned in swimming workouts, here is a list of the benefits of swimming over other sports or workout routines.

• Swimming is one of the safest exercises as the possibility of injury is very less compared to other exercises. Swimming unlike other exercises like jogging or walking does not put any pressure on the joints as the buoyancy of the water cushions and supports the body, reducing any stress on the muscles or joints.
• A study shows that swimming regularly helps to live a longer life.
• Swimming improves flexibility and helps to build lean muscles.
• Swimming is an excellent workout as it helps to strengthen the back and ab muscles.
• It is an especially beneficial workout for pregnant women, as it strengthens the muscles used during childbirth.
• Swimming is a sport and an enjoyable activity especially during hot summers.

Important Tips Before You Opt for Swimming

Keep these important tips in mind before you start swimming.

• Buy a swimsuit and a swim cap, which fits you well and doesn't need adjusting while you are swimming.
• If you don't know how to swim, then either hire a coach or join swimming classes.
• For weight loss, opt for swimming styles which help to burn maximum amount of calories.
• Consult your doctor before you start your swimming workouts, if you suffer from any health conditions.
• Make sure you do a proper warm-up before going for a swim, like a mild jog or a few rounds around the pool.

Now that you know the benefits of swimming, and the amount of calories burned while swimming; you can enroll yourself in a swimming class or use a pool at a health club near you. So, whether for endurance, weight loss or fun, go for swimming workouts and enjoy its benefits!