Is swimming good for weight loss? Effects on mental health and body

Psychologists advise people to embrace themselves as they are because self-acceptance promotes mental and physical health. Yet, it is not always simple. Many people grapple with self-image issues and low self-esteem. 

If you've ever wondered "Is swimming good for weight loss?" or "Is swimming good for losing belly fat?", we got you. This article reveals the benefits of swimming for weight loss and its impact on self-esteem and well-being.

Swimming effects on mental health

Everyone has moments when they aspire to adopt a healthier lifestyle. We want to eat healthier and do more sports and come up with crazy plans like going jogging at least 5 times a week. However, making a sudden shift to intense physical activities can be daunting and can often lead to resignation and frustration. That is why we advise you to start exercising in small steps and this is where swimming comes in.

Swimming is a versatile exercise suitable for almost everyone, including those who should be gentle on their joints due to weight or health concerns. But it is far more than that. Did you know that taking up swimming three times a week results not only in a positive swimming body transformation but can improve your overall mental health as well? 

Benefits of swimming: 

• Engaging in moderate swimming boosts personal health satisfaction.
• Realising not everyone has the "perfect" body, as portrayed by advertising, can be comforting.
• Swimming has therapeutic benefits, helping alleviate symptoms of depression.

How to go swimming with no fear

For many, especially women, the mere thought of swimming brings up body image issues. They do not feel comfortable in their own bodies and therefore feel ashamed. If this sounds familiar to you, here’s some advice:

• Select a distant swimming pool to avoid acquaintances. 
• Bring a supportive friend along.
• Opt for modest swimwear like the Jolyn's Onesies Collection.
• Always have a towel on hand to wrap around you in case you feel uncomfortable.

... & most importantly:

Accept your body! Remember, the world is diverse, and beauty lies in individual traits.

Once you jump in the deep end, you'll see that it's only half as bad. 

How to lose weight with swimming

In the realm of weight loss, many often ask, "Does swimming burn fat?" or "Is swimming good for losing belly fat?". Here’s the good news. Swimming stands out as one of the best sports for weight loss. All muscles are trained effectively and the joints are still spared. After a consistent swimming routine, you will notice that your skin becomes firmer, your body becomes more contoured and you simply feel better because the blood circulation is stimulated. Your body will turn into a swimmer’s body before you know it!

Here’s a tip: Apply skin cream after swimming. This counteracts the drying effect pool water can have on the skin. 

On the calorie front, the burning question for most people is “How long does it take for swimming to tone your body?”. The answer is: It depends! If you're wondering about the best swimming stroke for weight loss, a brisk crawl can torch up to 900 calories in an hour. An hour of breaststroke can burn approximately 500 calories.

In this respect, the fact that swimming builds muscles that burn energy even at rest outweighs the possibility of losing weight in a short time. Don’t worry, this does not mean that you have to crawl briskly for an hour! Even a leisurely 30-minute swim is better than lounging on the couch.

Remember: Proper nutrition also plays a crucial role in weight loss and muscle building. Do you want to know more? Read our article about what to eat before workout.

Find out which type of swimming best suits your needs. 

Swimming or jogging? 

Jogging might burn more calories, but it can be hard on the joints. Swimming is therefore a better option for people who suffer from joint problems or are overweight. This also applies to people who have had knee surgery in the past or suffer from knee problems. Swimming is a gentle way to train joints and muscles without overstraining them.

There also exist specific aqua sport programmes for people who suffer from certain health problems (obesity, osteoporosis, etc.). A major advantage of these courses is that they take place in groups, which also creates social contacts with people who have similar problems. Check out some programmes in your area! Providers are usually health insurance companies for instance. There are many more reasons to start swimming. For those wondering if swimming is good for losing belly fat, the answer is affirmative. Of course, not every sport suits everyone. But swimming is definitely worth a try.  

Finally, a note to mothers: When accompanying your little ones for swim training, take some time for yourself and experience the swimming workout for weight loss benefits firsthand. Give it a try, you won't regret it! Your body and mind will thank you! 

Are you a new mother and do not know when and how to start swimming? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Find all the important information in our article on swimming with a baby.

Considering regular swimming and need the right attire? Explore our range of sporty swimming costumes!