water + resistance

[lala1]

From what I understand, in order to build strong bones resistance training is necessary, included in this is exercises like walking, step, kick box, etc, but not swimming (my preferred sport). WHY? When I swim, especially if I'm using just legs or just arms, there sure is a lot of resistance from the water, why doesn't this seem to help with bone strength?

 

[Alhambra]

My favorite activity is also swimming.

I suspect swimming doesn't help with bone strength because water makes you bouyant.

For increasing bone strength I've read in fitness magazines (such as Shape) that high impact activities (like the IMAXs) are excellent for increasing bone density. Weight lifting helps prevent/slow the decrease in bone density that starts in your 30s. Also diet is important. If you don't get enough calcium you won't be able to have strong bones.

Another option for bone strength if you like water is canoeing and kayaking as they definitely allow the water to provide resistance. Also portaging the canoe promotes leg bone strength.

 

[Aquajock]

The problem is that water's resistance, while there, is limited, whereas with strength training in the traditional land environment you can continually challenge the muscles and bones by lifting heavier weights. Water resistance is continual, but lesser than that of weight-bearing resistance. And the first poster was also correct: the fact that water is a buoyant environment takes away from the bone-density-promoting effects of impact work with the lower body limbs fully loaded.

Strength training and land cardio training that involves a certain amount of impact on the lower body both promote bone density. Water, alas, not so much, especially swimming in which you are entirely buoyant.

A-Jock