Open water swimming or trail running: Which builds better endurance?
What's the story
Open water swimming and trail running are two popular activities that promise to build endurance. While both activities require a lot of physical and mental effort, they also offer different experiences and challenges. Knowing how each of them contributes to endurance can help you choose the right activity for your fitness goals. Here's a look at the unique benefits of open water swimming and trail running for building endurance.
#1
Resistance of water in swimming
Swimming in open water provides resistance from the water, which makes the muscles work harder than they would on land. This resistance helps in building muscle strength and stamina over time. The constant need to push against the water also improves cardiovascular fitness, as the heart rate increases during the activity. Swimmers often find themselves developing a more balanced muscle tone due to the variety of muscle groups engaged while swimming.
#2
Unpredictable terrain challenges
Trail running takes place on uneven terrain, which adds an element of unpredictability to every run. This variability forces the body to adapt quickly, improving agility and coordination skills. The changing surfaces also engage different muscle groups compared to running on flat surfaces, leading to a more comprehensive workout that enhances overall endurance.
#3
Mental focus required in both activities
Both open water swimming and trail running require a high level of mental focus to tackle the challenges they present. Swimmers have to be mindful of their breathing patterns and navigation in open waters, while trail runners have to be aware of their footing and surroundings. This mental engagement not only helps improve focus but also builds resilience over time as you learn to push through discomforts during long sessions.
#4
Recovery benefits from low-impact exercise
Open water swimming is a low-impact exercise that minimizes stress on joints while providing a full-body workout. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking for recovery workouts without compromising on endurance training goals. Similarly, trail running can also be a low-impact exercise if you choose softer surfaces like dirt paths or grass fields instead of harder surfaces like concrete or asphalt roads.