Swimming for weightloss

Question
Hello.  I'm not sure if this is your forte, but I just wanted some basic information about swimming to loose weight.  I recently started a workout regimen and I want to incorporate swimming into it.   I usually spend  an hour and 15 at the gym 5 days out of the week. This is all new to me, so I'm sore, and I use to use swimming to relax me.  If I alternated days between swimming one day and using the elliptical machines and weights on others, will I still reap the same benefits as I would if I didn't incorporate swimming into my regimen?

Answer
Lei,
That is a really good question.  I can't answer it completely because there are so many factors to account for.  However, I will say this.  So long as you elevate your heart rate sufficiently and keep it at that level while swimming...you will reap the same benefits.  Aerobic exercise provides the same benefits no matter how you do it.  If you run, swim, bike, or use the elliptical trainer...you will get the same benefits cardiovascular.  The only difference is that the different types of exercise stress your body in different ways.

Swimming puts low stress on your joints.  That is why many people use swimming as a way to exercise.  Think about your heart rate, and you will be fine.

One word of caution.  Cardio alone is not the answer.  You should try to incorporate some sort of resistance training to help you out.  That will increase your weight loss efforts.

I hope that this does help out somewhat.  Please let me know if you have any other questions.  Also, you can rate my service on here.  Please feel free to do so.
Eric