How many calories does swimming burn
Thirty minutes of swimming burns about 260 kcal if you weigh around 70 kg.
That's about
These numbers are for an adult of about 70 kg. Weigh more and you burn more, weigh less and it's a bit less.
Half an hour is about 260 kcal, 45 minutes is 390 and a full hour is 515. That's steady lengths, not floating about by the side chatting.
Swimming works your whole body and goes easy on your knees, which is why so many people stick with it. The post swim hunger is real though, so maybe skip the vending machine crisps.
Tips
- 1Book the early lane swim at your local leisure centre before work, it's quieter than you think.
- 2Mix front crawl with a few lengths of breaststroke so you can keep going longer.
- 3Go with a mate. You're much less likely to bail on a cold morning.
Just type it
swam 30 min
In Caltype you type what you ate like a note to yourself, and it's counted for you. No weighing, no scrolling through a database.
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Questions
How many calories does an hour of swimming burn?
About 515 kcal for someone of 70 kg, swimming at a steady pace.
Is swimming better than running for calories?
Thirty minutes of swimming is about 260 kcal and half an hour of easy running is about 330, so running burns a bit more. Swimming is kinder on your joints.
How do I log a swim in Caltype?
Type "swam 30 min" and the calories are added back to your day.
Did you know?
Elite swimmers racing front crawl are rated 14.5 MET, the energy of fourteen and a half people sitting still. A relaxed 30 minute swim is about 260 kcal at 70 kg.
Facts about sport and exercise · Source: Compendium of Physical Activities (2024)
