questions about elliptical/treadmill/swimming

[JamesMC]

ive been working out for a while, but im not really loosing the fat on my body, im building muscle but i havent really seen the results i want so im steping up my cardio but have some questions

first off how good is swiming compared to elliptical trainer or treadmill?

today after my workout i went to the pool and did some laps, I found it very hard, i did 10 laps but had to take little breaks every 25-50 meters.

is swimming work doing or for best results should i just stick to interval training on a elliptical trainer or treadmill?

and when im doing cardio on a treadmill i find i get tired much faster then a elliptical trainer, does that mean im getting a better workout?

and finally what should my heart rate be while on a elliptical trainer or treadmill? im 24 years old 225 lbs, 5''10


thanks

[Lady C]

Swimming is deceiving. It is hard to gauge how intense it is and the gravity effect is reduced.

I would do all three in rotation. Elliptical day one, swimming day two, and treadmill day 3. They all work different muscles differently.

You get tired faster on the treadmill because you have to pick up and move your body mass. Elliptical you move but not pick your body up. Swimming is just moving.

[JamesMC]

i think im going to stick to elliptical after most of my workouts because i find treadmill to be hard on my knee

but i will probably run once or twice a week

and im going to try and swim twice a week becuase i would like to improve my swiming

thanks

James

[westside24]

so then pretty much your just gonna alternate like she said, haha...

[LiftGirl]

Originally Posted by JamesMC

is swimming work doing or for best results should i just stick to interval training on a elliptical trainer or treadmill?

and when im doing cardio on a treadmill i find i get tired much faster then a elliptical trainer, does that mean im getting a better workout?

When it comes to cardio, the intensity you put into it is much more important than the particular exercise you choose. Any mode of exercise that gets your heart rate up is good cardio as long as you put intensity into it. The best cardio is the one you will do consistently and intensely.

LadyC's idea of alternating is good; it'll keep you from getting bored.

I've found that my limiting factor while swimming wasn't tiring from the exercise but running out of air. Unless your swimming technique is really good then the problem is probably inadequate breathing. If you would like to swim as a cardio exercise I suggest using a snorkel (if you don't mind looking a bit funny ).

[westside24]

Originally Posted by danielb

If you would like to swim as a cardio exercise I suggest using a snorkel

And put a shark fin on your back..