A Workout Swimming in Goodness
Swimming is also a good workout for those individuals carrying around extra pounds as they feel weightless in the water. When in the water up to the waist, the body bears 50 percent of its weight. Up to the neck, it bears just 10 percent. Whether you're young or old, swimming is an effective way to get physical.
Like all exercises, you'll burn calories while making your way through the water. Plus, water adds 12 times the resistance, thereby building strength. A person who weighs 130 pounds burns about 354 calories doing a leisurely swim, while swimming laps with light to moderate effort burns 472 calories per hour. Treading water at a moderate pace burns 236 calories. Doing the breaststroke for an hour burns 590 calories.