swimming

[abwowang]

I have access to a great gym with a pool, however, I havent swam for the past 4 years. I used to be lifeguard certified even, well, I was just wondering, what are the benefits of doing lap swim. I'm getting pretty cut by just working out. How is swimming compared with, say basketball or jogging or even lifting weights? All i have ever heard is... swimming is a great workout... i want to kno more about it before i actually spend time doing it... and if i do do it... how long and stuff like that..
any of u guys do swimming for part of ur workout?

[Stray]

Pretty good cardio work out I imagine.

[Saint Patrick]

:withstupi

[Clark Kent]

Off the top of my head i think swimming would be a intense workout for anyone. Especially if you havent swam for 4 years. Swimming is beneficial over running and basket ball because there is less impact/stress on your joints (someone correct me if i am wrong). The good thing about swimmiing is that there is Hydrostatic pressure (force excerted on the body by fluid). Hydrostatuc pressure works on all sides of the body. THis pressure aids venous return to the body, thus acting as a auxiliary heart pump which enhances curculation. Your working heart rate might be lower than land because of this... and as for how often ... fallow the FIT principle.. 3-6 days per week, 50-85% of your HRR (moderate intensity) , 20-60 mins of continous swimming.

Good luck,

David