The key to a great cross-training workout is to get a total body workout. Swimming is great for that.

Swimming provides a great aerobic workout. Tests have shown that swimmers have improved cardio-vascular capabilities, and have increased endurance. The steady breathing pattern required trains the lungs for increased ability. The steady effort required quickly gets the heart rate up, and keeps it up for as long as your workout goes. There's no coasting like in bike riding, and even if you slow down, it still requires an aerobic workout.

Swimming uses many of the major muscle groups. Where running and biking use mainly the leg muscles, swimming requires the use of the legs, arms, upper body, back, and abdomen. This total body workout tones and conditions more muscles for the time spent than any other workout.

The other benefit of swimming is that it's a low impact workout. Workouts requiring running cause a lot of impact and stress on the bones and joints. A swimming workout uses the steady resistance of the water against your body. Pulling your body through the water requires energy, but does not result in pounding and stress injuries.

For a great total body workout, swimming is the key.

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