Workout Swimming Best Stroke?

Question
hi, I recently had to change to swimming as my only work-out due to joint pains. I normally do breast strokes because I am not proficient with under water swimming free style. Is this a good work-out.?
Generally speaking, how much of a workout does breast stroke provide, compared to other swimming styles and other aerobic exercises. I previously did the elliptical at moderate for 35 minutes. I don抰 feel as tired after swimming 35 minutes as I do with the elliptical, so I am wondering if I am just wasting my time or if it is the water cooling effect keeping me relaxed?br>
Thanks!
FS


Answer
FS,
I am going to try and answer your questions, however I really need more information.  You say that you are not proficient iwth "under water swimming free style".  What do you mean by this?  Do you mean that you are not skilled at the underwater portion of the freestyle (crawl) stroke?  I am curious becuase freestyle is usually considered the most simplistic stroke to master.  This might help you with the second question you asked as well.

Any form of aerobic exercise is "good" exercise.  It's tough to say that one is better than the other.  It really depends on how much emphasis you put into your workout.  Swimming is usually considered a "better" workout due to the low stress on your joints.  I assume this is why you switched to just swimming by itself.  :-)

Breast stroke is a slower stroke and generally isn't very efficient.  Elite athletes can get a great workout from the stroke, but they don't do the stroke the entire practice.  Your body position isn't as streamlined in breast as it is in freestyle.  I can't say how much more or less of a workout breast stroke would provide as opposed to other strokes.  I will recommend that you try and switch up your strokes while swimming.  I know that you say your aren't very proficient with another stroke.  This is a good opportunity to work on that.  Don't just do the same thing over and over.  It will get boring.  Also, you will only work the same muslce groups.  By switching up your style of swimming, you will workout more muscles and get more of a total body aerobic workout.

Now, you say you don't feel as tired as going 35 minutes on the elliptical.  This could be from the water temp, the fact you don't feel yourself sweating, or a myriad of other reasons.  Don't give up on swimming just yet.  :-)  Try and switch up your strokes and see if that helps out.

I don't know if I answered your question(s) fully.  Please let me know if you need more specific help.  Also, feel free to rate me on this site.

Thank you.
Eric