Swimming is an excellent way to cool off during the scorching days of summer. Additional benefits include:

1. An excellent cardiovascular anaerobic exercise that works both the upper and lower body similtaneously.

2. More cost effective than going to the gym or taking aerobics. Because it is anaerobic exercise, it doesn't leave your muscles as sore as an aerobic workout. If you don't overdo it, you should feel refreshed.

3. Reduces boredom by providing some variety to your current work-out routine.

4. A physically and spiritually life affirming activity.

NO MORE EXCUSES! Don't worry about your hair, girlfriend! The scientific age has produced a latex swim cap that actually keeps your hair dry, and doesn't pull or break it off. You can find them at most sporting goods stores. Latex caps tend to be a few dollars more than basic rubber caps, but they can be worth the extra money if they are going to keep your "do" intact. Tip: put a little creme conditioner on your hair before you put the cap on to reduce friction.

Are you allergic or just don't like chlorine? If your eyes react negatively to chlorine, many of the new goggles won't fill up with water as soon as you dunk your head underwater, like the ones back in the old days. Look for goggles that have rubber suction around the rims. Some also have anti-fog lenses. Again, these comforts are a few dollars more but they are worth it. Note: Some pools are now using salt, botanical-based chemicals, or a combination of salt and chlorine to treat the water in their pools. Call the pool ahead of time to find out what they use in the water.

Swimming is excellent therapy for most injuries. If you can't swim, there is the option of Water Aerobics, a form of resistance training where you work out in the shallow end of the pool as the resistance of the water exercises your muscles. Water Aerobics...it's not just for geriatrics anymore! Don't want to have to fight the rugrats to get your laps on? Most pools offer adult only lap hours. Call your local pool or log onto your city's parks and recreations website to find out when you can swim rugrat free.