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Your Qs: What’s better for me, running or swimming?

Staff Writer - 1 min read

30 May 2017

You asked, we answered.

Your Qs: What’s better for me, running or swimming?

I like to swim for my fitness, but my mate prefers running and says that it's a better form of all-round fitness – is he right?

Tim, VIC.

Running and swimming are both great choices of cardiovascular exercise; both benefit your cardiovascular system. Both use primarily lower body muscles, but swimming incorporates your upper body as well. In both activities, the core muscles work to stabilise the spine.

While you'll need to swim for a longer amount of time to burn the same amount of calories as a 30-minute run, running can be quite taxing on your joints.

If you have orthopaedic issues such as arthritis or joint problems, swimming may be a better alternative. If you're generally healthy and looking for a form of exercise that will burn the most calories, you might want to listen to your mate's suggestion and give running a go.

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.

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