Dark, inclement days can make running around the park an unappealing prospect, while the shelter of the local gym can mean it\u2019s too busy for a stress-free workout. Not only is swimming accessible, affordable and light on equipment, it\u2019s also a great cardiovascular exercise \u2014 just what you need to keep your fitness ticking over until spring. <\/p>\n
\u2022 Read more expert advice on healthy living, fitness and wellbeing<\/a><\/p>\n Breathe easy<\/p>\n \u201cSwimming is unique in endurance sports,\u201d says Brian Johns, a former Olympic swimmer for Canada and head of coaching science at the swimming brand Form. \u201cThe precise mechanism is not yet completely understood, but it\u2019s possible swimmers use more of their lungs when breathing, thereby developing the muscles around the ribcage to increase lung function.\u201d Studies have consistently shown that competitive swimmers have a greater lung capacity than other athletes of a comparative build. The bigger your lungs, the more oxygen they can deliver to your body. <\/p>\n Count it out <\/p>\n You might not notice breaking a sweat but swimming can help you torch calories. Butterfly, the best stroke for weight loss, can burn up to 900 calories an hour (although most of us will struggle to do it for more than a few lengths). Front crawl is more sustainable and you can still expend 500-700 calories an hour. An hour of running might burn up to 1,050 calories \u2014 but you can decide which is kinder on your knees.<\/p>\n