Does swimming count towards athletic skill challenges?

[Snufflesxx]

I was thinking of having my Life States founder complete the athletic skill challenges which involve doing a certain number of hours of cardio and strength workouts. I need to know if swimming counts towards those challenges because I plan on having a mermaid at some point and I read somewhere that the best way to fulfil their hydration motive is to swim but I don't want them achieving either of the skill challenges by doing this.

[MarianT]

No, swimming will raise athletic skill, but as far as I can tell, the only things that contribute to the skill challenges are jogging, using the gym equipment, and working out with the television or radio.

[Snufflesxx]

No, swimming will raise athletic skill, but as far as I can tell, the only things that contribute to the skill challenges are jogging, using the gym equipment, and working out with the television or radio.

Thanks, MarianT. Since maxing it doesn't matter, I should be okay 

[RainBeau]

It only raises Athletic skill if you already have it, at least to my understanding.

[Jamie]

It only raises Athletic skill if you already have it, at least to my understanding.

It raises the skill even if you don't have it. I think it just takes longer than if you used a machine/tv/stereo.

[Blackrosea]

It will only raise the skill itself, not the skill challenges unfortunately.