Which Swimming Style is Most Effective for Losing Excess Calories

Austrian swimmer Nina Dittrich at the 63. Austrian State Championships in Schwechat during the 200 m butterfly final (winner at 02:13,87).

Dive into Fitness: Which Swimming Style Burns the Most Calories?

Swimming is a great way to stay fit and healthy. It is a low-impact exercise that can be done by people of all ages and fitness levels. Swimming is also an effective way to burn calories and lose weight. However, not all swimming styles are created equal when it comes to calorie burning. In this article, we will explore which swimming style is most effective for losing excess calories.

Breaking Down the Strokes: Comparing the Effectiveness of Freestyle and Breaststroke for Weight Loss

Freestyle and breaststroke are two of the most popular swimming styles. Both strokes are effective for burning calories, but which one is more effective for weight loss? Let’s take a closer look at each stroke and compare their effectiveness.

Freestyle

Freestyle, also known as front crawl, is the fastest and most efficient swimming stroke. It is a full-body workout that engages all major muscle groups, including the arms, shoulders, back, core, and legs. Freestyle is also a high-intensity exercise that can burn up to 500 calories per hour for an average person.

One of the reasons why freestyle is so effective for weight loss is because it is a continuous stroke that requires a lot of energy. Swimmers need to maintain a steady pace and use their entire body to propel themselves through the water. This constant movement increases the heart rate and boosts the metabolism, which helps to burn more calories.

Breaststroke

Breaststroke is a slower and less intense swimming stroke compared to freestyle. It is a popular stroke for beginners and those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Breaststroke is also a low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints and muscles. However, it may not be as effective for weight loss as freestyle.

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According to the American Council on Exercise, breaststroke can burn up to 400 calories per hour for an average person. This is still a significant amount of calories, but it is lower than the calorie burn of freestyle. One of the reasons why breaststroke may not be as effective for weight loss is because it is a stop-and-go stroke. Swimmers need to pause between strokes to take a breath, which can lower the heart rate and reduce the calorie burn.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both freestyle and breaststroke are effective swimming styles for burning calories and losing weight. However, freestyle is more effective for weight loss due to its high-intensity and continuous nature. Swimmers who want to maximize their calorie burn should focus on freestyle and incorporate it into their regular workout routine. Of course, the most important thing is to find a swimming style that you enjoy and can stick to in the long run.