When it comes to swimming vs. running, both have their pros and cons.
Fitness experts weigh in to help you decide which is right for you.
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This can reduce the stress placed especially on the lower extremity.
a certified personal trainer and CEO ofWorkoutHealthy.com, a gym equipment company
Doing laps is great for building your muscle strength and flexibility at the same time.
Swimming is also excellent for improving lung capacity and breathing efficiency, Pelc Graca adds.
Cons
Of course, swimming does require access to a pool, which isnt accessible for everyone.
Some people also feel less comfortable in water than on land or dont know how to swim.
It may require learning proper techniques and can be challenging for individuals with water phobia, Pruitt says.
You may also be sensitive to certain chemicals in the pool water.
Exposure can cause skin and eye irritation in some people, Pelc Graca adds.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC).
A chlorine reaction may also show up as itchy, bumpy, or red skin.
a certified personal trainer and CEO ofWorkoutHealthy.com, a gym equipment company
If you find it easiest to just get moving in the pool, thats perfectly okay as well.
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Workouts dont need to be complicated when youre targeting maintaining or improving health and wellness, Dr. Mercer says.
Being able to swim or run continuously for at least 20 minutes is an excellent goal.
The level of complexity of the workouts is dependent on what youre training for.
Running is a go-to exercise for many people because its easily accessible and can be done almost anywhere.
Its also effective for cardiovascular health, burning calories, and improving bone density, Pruitt says.
Running is a weight-bearing exercise, which can help promote healthy bones.
And while learning properrunning formis important, it may come more naturally to you than swimming.
We all know how to run, and its a very natural movement, Dr. Mercer says.
Of course, there are tips and tricks on the best running style.
In contrast, swimming is very technique-dependent and sometimes its a difficult skill to pick up.
Going for a run also requires minimal equipment and can easily be a social activity, Pelc Graca adds.
It may also requiregood running shoesto prevent injury, Pruitt says.
Plus, although running is easily accessible, your environment can play a big role in your experience.
Some people may also find running to be monotonous or boring.
There are alsobarriers to entrythat keep people from logging miles.
Here are exercises Pelc Graca recommends for every level.
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