Summer is the ideal season for both swimming and cycling, as individuals make the most of the warm weather to engage in these activities. When it comes to shedding those extra kilos, both swimming and cycling can be excellent choices. They offer a low-impact cardiovascular workout that engages multiple muscle groups, improves endurance, and burns calories. However, the key question remains: which activity is more effective for weight loss? Let's dive deeper into the benefits of swimming and cycling to understand their impact on weight loss.
Benefits Of Swimming
Swimming is a full-body workout that works almost all major muscle groups at the same time. According to Jayant Jawa, K11 certified fitness trainer - at Oxizone Gym, Karnal, "Swimming offers a low-impact workout, making it ideal for beginners and young adults. Swimming helps improve cardiovascular fitness, builds muscle strength and enhances flexibility. The best thing about swimming is that it is an excellent calorie burner. On average, a person weighing around 70 kg can burn approximately 423 calories per hour of swimming vigorously.
Benefits Of Cycling
Cycling is a fantastic aerobic activity that primarily engages the muscles of the lower body, including the legs, hips, and glutes. Jawa said that regular cycling helps strengthen the lower body muscles, improves joint mobility, and enhances balance. Cycling can be tailored to various intensity levels, from leisurely rides to high-intensity sprints or hill climbs, making it suitable for individuals of different fitness levels. Jawa stated that in terms of calorie burn, cycling at a moderate pace can help a person weighing around 70 kg burn about 484 calories per hour.
Also Read: Not Cool With The Gym? 4 Reasons Why Swimming Should Be Your Go-To Workout This Summer
Which Is Best For Weight Loss?
Jawa emphasised that both swimming and cycling are effective for weight loss, but the answer ultimately depends on personal preference, individual fitness levels, and accessibility to facilities. Weight loss is a long-term process, that requires a person to maintain a calorie deficit by following a clean diet and working out on a daily basis. Therefore, it's crucial to choose an activity that you genuinely enjoy and can sustain over time, as consistency is key to achieving weight loss goals.
What Should A Beginner Do?
If you're new to both swimming and cycling and unsure where to start, here are some tips suggested by the expert:
1) Start Slow
Begin with shorter durations and lower intensities to allow your body to adapt gradually. Over time, you can increase the duration and intensity of your workouts.
2) Seek Guidance
Consider taking swimming or cycling lessons to learn proper technique, form, and safety measures. Professional guidance can help you avoid injury and maximise the benefits of each activity.
3) Mix It Up
Don't limit yourself to just one activity. Incorporate both swimming and cycling into your fitness routine to keep it interesting and target different muscle groups.
Also Read: Walking Vs. Running: Which Is Better And How Much Should You Do Per Day
4) Stay Consistent
Consistency is key to achieving weight loss goals. Aim for regular workouts, ideally three to five times a week, and gradually increase the intensity and duration as you progress.
[Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided by a registered medical practitioner. However, we recommend you consult your healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and treatment.]
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