11 Differences Between Swimming and Gym Workouts That Impact Weight Loss

7. Accessibility, cost, and scheduling: practical barriers that affect consistency

Real weight-loss success often hinges on consistency, which depends on how easy the workouts are to do. Pools have practical barriers: facility hours, lane availability, membership fees, and seasonal access in some climates. In many US cities, community pools require reservations or are busy during evenings, which can limit consistent training. By contrast, many gyms now offer 24/7 access and a range of equipment.