Swimming

I'd just increase my protein and BCAAs

Its not swimming causing you to lose mass, its not doing things that build mass.... or doing them less. So have you cut back on lifting?

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Its not swimming causing you to lose mass, its not doing things that build mass.... or doing them less. So have you cut back on lifting?

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^^^This

I don't do any lifting at all. Just swim, bike and run for the last 2.5 years. Swimming has kept my shoulders, back, triceps, etc. in pretty decent shape (for not lifting). additionally, proper swim technique really can engage a lot of core muscles. Kick sets can be a good leg workout, although you won't bulk up or anything.

As someone else said, swimming doesn't burn as many calories as you think. You just have that drained feeling from being in the water. I think for me, I estimate about 100 calories per 500 yards. 2500 yards is a longish session for me. I'd burn way more calories running for the same amount of time.

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That's debatable and dependent on several variables.

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Definitely not a blanket statement. You CAN burn a lot. Intense workouts are intense for sure. But I think most people just aren't good at swimming, and think they are burning more than they actually are.

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Maybe for a new swimmer. But I never feel drained, or hungry like others have said, after swimming. But I've been doing it a long time.

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I've been swimming for about 2.5 years relatively seriously (~5-6k a week). I'm no expert, slow compared to real swimmers, but above average compared to those in the pool at a regular gym. I don't get the hunger thing, but I do feel drained after certain workouts. And it's not really an endurance thing. I can swim 2.4 miles straight no issue. Just kind of want to chill on the couch afterwards. Don't really feel the same after running.