Losing weight quicker, gym or swimming?

[ConstantHeadache]

Next year I have the option to either join the swimming club (meaning I can go swimming 3 times a week) or join the gym (I could go to the gym as many times as I wanted to. I know swimming is supposed to be the best exercise for you but I really want to lose weight and tone up in as shorter time as possible.
I also plan to be training in karate twice a week.
So, do I go for swimming or Gym?

With swimming it is very easy to relax and stop pushing yourself. It is a great all over body toner but it is not as intense a cardio workout as something like the cross trainer in the gym.

It depends which sport you enjoy more. I know I lose more weight in the gym but I hate going. I am more likely to turn up to the pool, so for me it is the best option.

Don't you have a gym with a pool near you? Then you could do both!!! I lost more weight in a gym but found I was getting migraines after a gym session so now tend to swim more

Gym is better than 'swim'

But reducing what you eat is by far the best strategy.

I have been running 15 miles per week since March and not lost a single pound - until I restricted my eating recently.

Exercise alone just won't cut it

Gym will be more effective than swimming. I am not keen on swimming as I find it boring. Much prefer the gym where I can watch shite tv or listen to music while I workout.

Will the gym option include classes? They're a very good way of losing weight because you can't just slack off when you feel tired.
Going to the gym is incredibly boring, so if there are no classes involved swimming might be a better option.

Just to repeat - exercise alone won't do it, you need to diet too

I agree with handlemecarefully. You must combine exercise with sensible eating.

HI there,
I personally find that the best results come from combining at least a couple of different activties. For me, this has been running and a class (any class will do really as long as you are using different muscle groups, I personally like dance based ones, but whatever suits you will work). By the way, I was always the wheazy, unfit one at the back of the class for cross country at school, so if you haven't run before, don't let it but you off. Work up slowly and once you get into it, it's a great way to witch off and get fit (it's also easier for me to fit this is around work and bubba!).

Sensible eating is definitely important too but like most things, gimmicks don't work, for me watching carefully how many calories I have has been enough. To lose weight, I just eat less than use (although never going below 1700 a day, normally around 1800) and that worked wonders for me. I also found learning a little about GI helped as it eamnt I swapped foods for those that would keep me full for longer. I still ate well and it worked for me. Good luck!