Skip to main content

Adviser
- Adviser
- Get Advice
- Home Loans
- Contact Us
- MyAIA

Search

Back to Top

Your Questions: What's better for me, running or swimming?

AIA Vitality NZ - 1 min read

28 April 2019

You asked, we answered.

You asked, we answered.

I like to swim for my fitness, but my mate prefers running and says that it's a better form of all-round fitness - is he right?
-Tim

Running and swimming are both great choices of cardiovascular exercise; both benefit your cardiovascular system. Both use primarily lower body muscles, but swimming incorporates your upper body as well. In both activities, the core muscles work to stabilise the spine.

While you'll need to swim for a longer amount of time to burn the same amount of calories as a 30-minute run, running can be quite taxing on your joints.

If you have orthopaedic issues such as arthritis or joint problems, swimming may be a better alternative. If you're generally healthy and looking for a form of exercise that will burn the most calories, you might want to listen to your mate's suggestion and give running a go.

By AIA Vitality NZ
AIA Vitality Staff writer

AIA Vitality is a personalised, health and wellbeing programme that supports you every day to make healthier lifestyle choices. Visit aiavitality.co.nz

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.