As a bodybuilder and fitness nut I love swimming. Not only is it fun, if you'll tread with me (yuk,yuk) I'll tell you why. Grab your suit!



What kind of cardio is best for bodybuilders? You guessed it: swimming. A lot of cardio exercises are great for the lungs and heart but puts too much stress on your joints, like running for instance. If you are into squats you need to take care of those ankles and knees.

Swimming is not only good cardio exercise; it's also a full body workout for your muscles! Better yet for bodybuilders, it's not just low-impact exercise, it's no-impact exercise! You strengthen muscle and your cardiovascular system while putting no stress on your joints.

There is the added benefit of swimming being good exercise to build flexibility (although you should always stretch before you swim too ? remember what Ol? Uncle Caleb's told you about always stretching!). This is great for bodybuilders, many of whom spend too little time on building flexibility.

Bodybuilders beware; don't let swimming become your only form of exercise. Swimming is great for your health, no two ways about it. It won't help you get that ripped, defined look, though, that all competitor bodybuilders are looking for.

Did you know that your body reacts to the cool water in a pool by distributing your body fat differently? It's true. The water pushes the fat around, storing it just under the skin, which makes it difficult to have muscle definition.

Swimming is still an all around excellent exercise, just make sure to work it into the rest of your cardio program (hiking, walking). Don't replace all your cardio with this enjoyable activity.

Until next time, see you at the gym (or the pool)!