Which Sport Do You Burn the Most Calories, Swimming or Running?

Maybe you are looking to start with a new exercise regime and are asking yourself, which sport do you burn the most calories, swimming or running? What do you think the answer is?

Did you guess running? If you did, you are correct.

You might think that swimming actually burns more calories than running, and if you really think about it, it makes perfect sense. When you are swimming, you are using both your arms and legs. At least that is what you are doing if you are swimming correctly! Furthermore, even though you might not realize it, you are exerting that extra effort to push through the water. However, as we said, swimming is not the answer.

In order to prove our point, let's look at a comparison chart which demonstrates the number of calories burned for comparable paces of swimming and running. The following figures are for a 150 pound individual. Internet exercise calculators are a great way to make your own comparisons based on your actual weight.

• Running at 12 MPH for one hour burns 1521 calories compared to swimming vigorously for one hour, which burns 666 calories.
• Running at 8 MPH for thirty minutes burns 459 calories, while swimming vigorously for half an hour burns 333 calories.
• Running at 5 MPH for one hour burns 576 calories, while swimming moderately for one hour burns 414 calories.

Now that we know that you burn more calories by running instead of swimmng, let's look at the positives and negatives of each type of exercise.

Running

Since running is the "winner" of our little competition, let's start there. The benefit is that it burns more calories in a shorter amount of time. Furthermore, you can virtually run anywhere. Even in the winter, you can put on several layers and go outside for a run. You might choose to go to a local track or you might have a track or treadmill available at the gym that you attend.

However, the big difference between running and swimming is the environmental factors. The reason that many people choose swimming over running is because, for the great majority of people, swimming is more comfortable. You are surrounded by water. You might get aches as you are swimming, as sometimes happen with other types of exercise. Of course, if you are in excessive pain, you really need to stop the exercise. Yet you do not have to deal with the heat and humidity. When you are running, if it is very hot outside, you are going to be dripping wet with sweat.

Swimming

Swimming is more comfortable than running. You don't have to worry about sweating and you will not feel all hot and uncomfortable; so, many people choose to go for a swim. Furthermore, if you want to stop while you are running, you need to look for a place to sit down or travel back to your house. If you are in the pool, then you can just stop and sit in the water. You can jump on a float and relax for awhile too. Therefore, you might be able to stay in the pool swimming for longer than you are able to go outside for a run.

However, the negative with swimming is that if you swim or run for the same amount of time, you do burn less calories with swimming. Additionally, when you are in a pool, it is colder. When your body temperature lowers, you seek food. Therefore, even if you were to burn more calories in the pool, you might just wind up eating half of them back on once you get out. Of course, this all depends on the individual and what type of self control you exercise over your eating habits.