there is a lot of literature that compares the relative merits of
various types of exercise and their effects on weight loss. swimming, with
a wide range of intensity levels, does not do well, by all accounts, as an
effective method for losing weight. there are several theories as to why
this is true. the more common theory is that the body holds on to body fat
not wanting to lose energy (heat loss) to the water (i wonder if this would
be true in a heated pool). another theory is that the body thinks it needs
the fat to float (explaining all those fat olympic swimmers. although,
maybe the brain recognizes they aren't in any danger of plummeting to the
depths). the theory that makes the most sense to me is that swimming
doesn't involve the larger muscle groups enough (the way running, skiing,
etc. do).
in recent years, i have seen a lot of discussion about weight training
as an effective method for weight loss, the building of muscle tissue being
beneficial in boosting the metabolism.
swimming, of course, is beneficial in other ways; it is a 'no impact'
exercise (except for 'cannonballs' and 'belly-flops') and is great for
increasing flexibility as well.
mike
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