Can swimming be an alternative for gym?

[Voygazer]

I have been into a Gym for 4 months, and to be honest repeating the same machinery exercise for 1 and half hour straight 3 times a week just gets me crazy, I dont understand how people can find enjoyment in this constant repetition that is both tiring and boring.

So I want to ask a question if swimming can be an alternative option for gym? I mean like a sportive and extensive swimming, not like casualy going to the pool. I want to know if swimming can be just as good and efficient just as normal gym, with the addition that It's actualy much more fun.

Because to be honest, my goal is not to get like big and huge with muscles to the point that I am as wide as a bus, but It's more that I want to simply get properly toned, fit and have my body simply look attractive and beautiful.

 

[Julius_Van_Der_Beak]

I have been into a Gym for 4 months, and to be honest repeating the same machinery exercise for 1 and half hour straight 3 times a week just gets me crazy, I dont understand how people can find enjoyment in this constant repetition that is both tiring and boring.

So I want to ask a question if swimming can be an alternative option for gym? I mean like a sportive and extensive swimming, not like casualy going to the pool. I want to know if swimming can be just as good and efficient just as normal gym, with the addition that It's actualy much more fun.

Because to be honest, my goal is not to get like big and huge with muscles to the point that I am as wide as a bus, but It's more that I want to simply get properly toned, fit and have my body simply look attractive and beautiful.

I'm not a fitness expert, but as far as I know I believe it can be. I think with swimming, you're engaging a large portion of your muscles at the same time. And Michael Phelps is pretty well-defined, isn't he?

I think the ideal form of exercise for me is hiking (because it's not so repetitive), although that doesn't build the upper limbs. I'm envious of people who live in the western states who have all kinds of great access to trails.

 

[Lexicon]

I have been into a Gym for 4 months, and to be honest repeating the same machinery exercise for 1 and half hour straight 3 times a week just gets me crazy, I dont understand how people can find enjoyment in this constant repetition that is both tiring and boring.

So I want to ask a question if swimming can be an alternative option for gym? I mean like a sportive and extensive swimming, not like casualy going to the pool. I want to know if swimming can be just as good and efficient just as normal gym, with the addition that It's actualy much more fun.

Because to be honest, my goal is not to get like big and huge with muscles to the point that I am as wide as a bus, but It's more that I want to simply get properly toned, fit and have my body simply look attractive and beautiful.

The type of swimming you're describing can be a highly effective full-body workout, if you stay committed and also pay attention to form. From what I understand, anyway.

 

[Tomb1]

Swimming is better than machines. Outdoors is better than indoors when applicable.

 

[Kingu Kurimuzon]

Swimming and cycling are both fun workouts that can double as good outdoor exercises. I think ideally people should either swim, run or cycle, then use the gym as a supplemental routine rather than spending all of their time in the gym. Vitamin D and fresh air are important and we lose that being stuck inside a stuffy gym.

 

[Maou]

Machines are subpar compared to other forms of exercise as you get no real experiencing using your muscles. Swimming is a great exercise for the whole body, and easier on the joints. And I highly recommend simply subbing "exercising at the gym" with simple active sports, such as hiking, cycling, martial arts, or rock climbing.

 

[Kingu Kurimuzon]

My go-to lately has been the rowing machine. I try to hit 20-30 minutes a session at least 3 times a week, if possible But I'd love to work up to 5-6 days a week. In the meantime, now that weather is cooling down, I'm getting in some lunch break walks. I've really been struggling to shed these lovehandles. I realize that's largely due to being lazier than I should be about trcking calories and avoiding certain foods. My weight has been hovering around 195 and it's very frustrating being stuck in a perpetually skinny fat body.

 

[The Cat]

My go-to lately has been the rowing machine. I try to hit 20-30 minutes a session at least 3 times a week, if possible But I'd love to work up to 5-6 days a week. In the meantime, now that weather is cooling down, I'm getting in some lunch break walks. I've really been struggling to shed these lovehandles. I realize that's largely due to being lazier than I should be about trcking calories and avoiding certain foods. My weight has been hovering around 195 and it's very frustrating being stuck in a perpetually skinny fat body.

 

[Julius_Van_Der_Beak]

I don't know, but I should probably do some strength training. For a variety of reasons, it seems like it would be beneficial to be physically stronger.

 

[Kingu Kurimuzon]

Mind if I get some of that secret ingredient, Bones?