As refreshing as it is, swimming is one of the best ways to burn calories and tone your body during the hottest times of the year. As with any exercise regimen, fitness professionals caution people to monitor their outdoor exercise in the summer. The oppressive heat in some parts of the country can cause more health problems than benefits when the risk of heatstroke and dehydration are factored in. If expensive gym memberships are out of reach, where can we get some fresh air and exercise while still having fun? The answer is swimming. Whether in your own pool, a friends pool or your local community pool. Getting to a pool will provide great exercise, fun, and family time.

Swimming is Fantastic Exercise For the Whole Family

Moms, are you worried about your child spending too much time in front of the TV this summer? Worried about getting your own exercise while having to make sure they stay out of trouble? Put on some swimsuits, grab towels and sunscreen, and get them, and yourself, to a pool. Swimming is what fitness professionals call a full body workout because it works almost every muscle, including your arms, legs, torso, and even your derriere.

Whether you’re playing “Marco Polo” with your kids, playing tag, or just conducting swimming races, you and your kids will work your heart and lungs while toning your muscles. If the exercise benefits

aren’t enough, consider the family recreation time that you will be spending. Your kids will be active , away from the television and spending long stretches of quality time with you.

 Don’t just take my word for it. There are many websites that can give you an estimate of how many calories you can burn by swimming. For example, just leisurely swimming without doing laps, a 150 pound person will burn close to 500 calories per hour!