So you’ve just been diagnosed with obesity. Congratualtions! You’re among the 75% of Americans who are classified as obese. This is truly a tragedy, considering that obesity can be completely prevented by using a few simple and effective strategies.
If you’re seeking to lose weight, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will discuss the various aspects of weight loss in the water, including how much weight you can lose swimming and how to make the most out of your swim workouts. Let’s get started.
How Much Weight Can You Lose Swimming?
If you’re looking to shed some pounds, you’ve most likely considered going in for a swim. Swimming is one of the best exercises known for burning calories and losing weight. Thanks to the work of scientists like Dr. Barry Sears, former chief of the Division of Nutrition at the School of Medicine at the University of Toronto, we know a lot about how to make the most out of our swim workouts and how to ensure we lose the right amount of weight.
It’s a well-known fact that swimming burns more calories than walking or running. According to Sears, a 240-pound person swimming at a regular pace for one hour burns about 450 calories, while a person of the same weight walking at a regular pace for the same duration burns about 280 calories.
Sears also states that the more you swim, the more you’ll lose. His research shows that people who swim regularly for one year will lose about 10% of their body weight, while those who don’t swim at all will only lose about 3% of their body weight.
Based on this research, it’s clear to see why so many people have turned to swimming as a weight loss method. Not only does it burn calories, but the water provides buoyancy, which promotes stability while you’re exercising.
How Many Days Of The Week Should You Swim?
Whether you’re a professional athlete or just enjoy swimming as a leisure activity, you’ll need to work out regularly to maintain your strength and condition. Like with any workout routine, the number of days you should swim per week depends on your goals. If you’re looking to lose weight, you’ll need to reduce your calorie intake and exercise daily. While you’re at it, you might also want to consider swimming some days to boost your health.
If you’re a regular enough swimmer, you may not need to eat as much as you do to maintain your current weight. In this case, you might want to experiment with less frequent workouts or even consider swimming on some days when you don’t feel like working out.
Which Type Of Water Is Best For Weight Loss?
If you’ve decided to give swimming a try as a weight loss strategy, you’ll need to choose the right pool for the job. While many waters will provide you with a workout, only a few will actually help you lose weight. Here are some of the key things to consider:
- The Depth Of The Pool
- The Water Volume
- The Water Temperature
- The Markings On The Pool’s Floor
- The Location Of The Pool (Indoors/Outdoors)
- How Often Does The Pool Need To Be Cleaned
- The Cost Of Operating The Pool
With all of that in mind, here are some suggestions on where you might want to start.
Indoors
Indoor pools provide the convenience of being near the gym, if you have one, and they allow for more variation in terms of the types of workouts you can do. They also provide a safe place for children and pet owners to play.
The downside is that indoor pools are basically just big tanks full of water. If you want to maximize your workouts, you’ll need to consider an outdoor pool, which has the additional advantage of providing some sunshine and fresh air. If you have a pool at home, you may also want to consider using a pool heater, which will provide you with a comfortable atmosphere regardless of the season.
Outdoors
If you live in a place where it gets cold in the winter, then outdoors pools are the way to go. They also provide a view of the sky, which is something we tend to take for granted, but it’s actually a useful thing when you’re trying to lose weight. If you can put up with the cold, then you can enjoy the additional benefits of working out outdoors.
The downside with outdoor pools is that they can be pretty busy, especially during the summer months when people want to be out and about. If you want peace and quiet, then an indoor pool may be the better option. Also, if you live somewhere with harsh climate, then exposed plumbing and pool decking may not be the best idea. This is why most outdoor pools are built within steel buildings with porous concrete floors. Not only does this ensure that the pool is fully waterproof, but it also prevents injuries from diving boards and other such devices.
Deep
Deep pools provide the ultimate in weight loss applications. Not only do they offer the advantage of being undisturbed by other swimmers, but they allow for deeper dives, which in turn, lead to more calories burned. They’re also a great option for those who want to focus on their breathing and relaxation during their workouts.
The downside is that they’re a little more costly to operate and maintain than other pools. However, if you have the funds, then they are worth the price.
Shallow
Shallow pools are great for someone who just wants to get a quick workout in before heading to the beach. They don’t require a lot of effort to maintain and clean, which is why many municipal pools are built with this design.
The downside is that unless your body is adequately prepared for the cold, then you may end up sick after participating in a shallow swim. Since most municipal pools are maintained at around 85 degrees Fahrenheit, you may want to consider an outdoor pool in the wintertime to ensure you stay healthy.
The Importance Of Adequate Hydration
Drinking enough water is essential for anyone who wants to lose weight. If you’re dehydrated, then you’ll put yourself at a greater risk of health issues. This is why it’s important to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. If you find that this is difficult, then you may want to consider drinking bottled water or purchasing a water dispenser, which will make it easier for you to stay hydrated.
If you’re not sure how much water your body needs, then you may want to consult a doctor or nutritionist, as this depends on numerous factors, such as your size, weight, and activity level. In general, you may want to consume about twice as much water as you would if you were not trying to lose weight.
Do You Need To Clean Your Pool?
If you use your pool for swimming and it gets dirty, then it’s essential that you clean it at least once a week with a water cleaner. Depending on the type of dirt and grime that you have on your pool deck, you may need to clean it more frequently. Some examples of dirt and grime that you may encounter include:
- Tar From Gasoline/Diesel Tankers
- Algae
- Fried Food Waste
- Sand From Construction Vans
- Leaves
- Débris From Animal Impacts (Shark Attacks, Frog Squishions)
When you clean your pool with h2o2 powercleaner, you may notice that the water becomes crystal clear and smell improves.
The downside of not cleaning your pool is that over time, the dirt and debris may actually become cemented into the bottom of the pool, forming an abrasive layer that will eventually need to be removed with a pool brush or sand blaster. This is one of the main reasons why it’s important to clean your pool at least once per week – not only does it improve the aesthetic appeal of your pool, but it prevents potential health problems and prevents your pool from becoming unsound.
How Many Pools Should You Have?
If you have a small yard with no room for a garden, then you may want to consider an in ground pool as opposed to an above-ground pool. Small in ground pools are typically cheaper to install and maintain. While they don’t provide the same benefits as a larger pool, they’re adequate for the average home.