I'm definitely getting fitter but...

[Somanybabyseagulls]

I'm not losing weight. Have been swimming the equivalent of 3-5 miles for a number of weeks now, can easily swim a mile without stopping, feeling quite fit and stronger but my weight hasn't gone down, could it be the muscle and fat thing?

maybe you are not doing it hard enough

your hr need sto be approx 180-200 to be fat burning

have you a heart monitor?

Also as well as weighing yourself note down your body measurements too I bet you've lost inches. Muscle weighs more than fat.

Np, don't have a heart monitor. Have lost 1 1/4" from my wobbly tum, but nowhere else. As I said, I do feel fitter but was hoping to get some results on the scales.

yes, get the measuring tape out

are you eating less? the sad truth is you have to do both.

Yep, I'm doing the whole thing, exercise more, eat less. I know it takes a long time to get weight off but I would have expected a bigger result by now. Maybe Im just too impatient!

A pound of fat is the same as a pound of muscle.

Apparently low intensity exercise (eg swimming) increases your appetite, while high intensity reduces it.

Actually, I've read that swimming, unlike walking (another low-intensity one) just doesn't promote weight loss. You get cold in the pool and changing room, so your body isn't eager to let go of your fat stores. Swimming is great for strength and cardio improvement, and it helps you build muscle mass, but for weight loss, picking up another exercise form is wiser.