Swimming

[Morrisonker]

Hopefully someone can answer a few questions:

Am I better to eat before or after swimming?  I want to start swimming to help tone up. I know if i eat first I'll burn off the food and be hungry afterwards so i'll eat more and undo my good work, but if I eat after I probably won't have the energy to swim as much because i haven't eaten.

 

Also, which stroke uses the most muscles (arms, legs etc) or whoch do people find the best for getting in shape?

 

Thanks!

[keen2learn]

It's generally considered better to eat after swimming, as with any strenuous exercise. Different strokes exercise different muscle groups, so mix them for an all-round work-out.

[chinadoll]

butterfly and breastroke would be good for your chest and shoulder muscles....do some kicking with your arms out in front on a float for some leg work.....regarding eating...dont eat anything heavy before (at least 90minutes) swimming as you could get a cramp.....potentially fatal if  your in the deep end.... it will take about 3 months or so (depending on you input) to see some changes in your muscle tone and figure....

[natalie_1982]

You actually burn off more calories eating after you swim as your metabolic rate is at it's highest for a few hours after you swim.  Don't let the 3 month thing put you off, I noticed a difference almost immediately - because I was working 'new' muscles they felt tighter so I held my posture better and clothes fitted better within weeks (this was with a healthy diet though).

[KittyGlitter]

This website article might help you: http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9273/28084.html?k=wellx408x28084

Select the Medical Myth "Don't go swimming if you just indulged in a full meal."

[MORELLO]

If you eat before swimming, or any other exercise you are utilising a large amount of blood in it's assimilation into the body. Blood which should at this time be carrying oxygen to the muscles in use, without which may result in cramp. Dangerous if in water at the time. Besides, food always tastes better after a swim for some reason!

[smudge]

I always eat after I swim. I'm sure I wouldn't be able to do as many lengths on a full stomach.