Noob Swimmer here -- Body fat effecting swimming ability?

Question

I just started to swim as a form of cardio. I find that as I swim my legs sink. Now I have rather low body fat and wonder if that has any effect on my ability to stay afloat. Or is it perhaps my kick stroak? I'm VERY new to swimming having never really done any formal swimming stroaks before so I'm obviously trying to just work on my form at the moment.

Thanks for any help.

Answer 1

Maybe you need to work on your kicks. You'll get better as you practice but I don't think body fat is an issue unless you're huge.

Answer 2

Fat will help you stay afloat :P. If you dont have much fat and you let all the air out your lungs and remain motionless you'll start to sink slowly :P

Answer 3

You are right and have observed correctly; the less body fat you have the more you're able to sink in water (which is good, especially for faster strokes and diving).  "Floating" creates too much of a  "friction" and in water you want as little resistance as possible (hence, keep your body and legs/joints etc. as straight as possible, only bending what's absolutly necessary for kinetics.  Swimming is a great cardio work out without the stress on the joints and blood cells as running...