Swimming, as a weight loss activity, engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Unlike the squats that particularly focus on the thighs or legs or the chest pulls that help with back and chest toning, swimming provides a full-body workout. As you move through the water, your legs kick, your arms pull and your core stabilizes. This coordinated movement burns calories and tones your entire body. The different swimming strokes offer various benefits, Freestyle targets the upper body muscles, breaststroke enhances the leg muscles and the butterfly is excellent for tummy engagement.