11 Differences Between Swimming and Gym Workouts That Impact Weight Loss

6. Injury risk and joint impact: who can train harder, longer

Injury and joint stress shape how often you can train, and frequency drives weight-loss results over time. Swimming is low-impact because buoyancy reduces weight-bearing forces, making it a great choice for people with arthritis, joint pain, or those recovering from lower-body injuries (Medical News Today). That low risk allows more frequent sessions without the same soreness or injury risk some gym workouts carry.