Which is better, swimming or running?

Someone has mentioned this topic before. It just so happens that two of my colleagues chose running and dieting to lose weight, and the results I saw were almost the same. After a summer, these two beauties have become much slimmer than before. Since both are useful, how should you choose? Do swimming and running have the same fitness effects? Which sport is better? Let's follow the editor to find out.

1. From the perspective of energy consumption, at the same intensity (heart rate), the calories consumed by both are similar, with swimming slightly higher than running.

2. From the perspective of joint protection, swimming can reduce the pressure on the waist and knee joints. These two joints are most susceptible to damage in people who are overweight. The body position during swimming ensures that these joints are not subjected to impact forces from the ground. Running will greatly increase the pressure on these two joints. However, swimming too frequently can increase the risk of wear and tear on the shoulder joint. This is especially true for freestyle and backstroke, because the shoulder joint undergoes a large degree of rotation in these two swimming styles.

3. In terms of the overall weight loss effect, swimming, especially swimming in cold water, will stimulate the body to store fat to keep warm, which will cause a surge in appetite after exercise and an unknowing increase in calorie intake. Therefore, the overall fat reduction effect is not as good as running. Unless you stay awake all the time and control your appetite. Or maybe you keep a food diary. Of course, this requires a very strong will to accomplish.

The above is the editor’s introduction. These two sports naturally have their own advantages, but the ultimate purpose of exercising is to strengthen the body or build muscle. Although each has its own advantages, it also needs to be judged based on your actual situation. You can try them both first, and it’s not too late to make a choice later.