by Lisa Snider

Created on: April 22, 2008   Last Updated: September 30, 2008

A fitness plan that's all wet
Here's a tip: Take a dip

When I was a kid, receiving a good wallop in dodge ball and getting my face dragged through the grass in soccer, swimming was the great equalizer. In a swimming pool, I owned all those brats who picked me last for whatever rogue contact sport I dreaded. I had their number. I could crawl, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly them all into oblivion.

And now, as I soak in the cool green muck that clings to the corners of my own pool, I go about my weekly ritual of eradicating the emerald monster that seems to love 100-degree days. I scour, scrub and scrape, coaxing the grime away until my shoulders begin to strain. This seems to yield a pretty decent workout in itself.

Swimming is a terrific life-long activity. It's no wonder you see so many senior citizens plugging away in their lanes at the Y's lap pool. But the benefits are tremendous for any age group: It's an excellent cardiovascular workout that works all your muscle groups, it's a great way to burn calories, it's low impact and easy on your joints, and it's one of the best ways to bounce back from injury.

If you want to try lap swimming, lessons are always recommended, even if you consider yourself a good swimmer. No one wants to learn the hard way the secret to breathing with the crawl stroke. Okay, I'll tell you: simply turn your head to the side as your arm swings overhead, rather than lift your head. With enough speed (and practice), you'll get a good pocket of air instead of a big gulp of water.

Not a fan of swimming laps? How about water aerobics or water weights? I really like the water barbells I found at the local pool store, which tone and strengthen the upper body by using your weight and the water's resistance. Another aqua-exercise product is the buoyancy belt, which allows you to "run" in the deep end of the pool.

There's also a lot to be said for just simply taking a cool refreshing dip when the mercury rises. I sleep really well after a game of pool Frisbee with my husband (especially when he lets me beat him).

If you don't have a pool, you needn't hop the fence like my neighbors' kids do. There's no shortage of places to take the plunge in this county. Your neighborhood YMCA, known as "America's favorite swimming instructor," is always a sure bet for lessons and open swim. And if your local school has a pool, check with them to find out if they offer summer hours to the public. Your own city's recreation department may have suggestions for you, too.

Do not swim alone and always consult a physician before starting a new fitness regimen.

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