The benefits of swimming are numerous. Swimming provides a cardiovascular workout without impact on your joints, is highly relaxing and meditative, and strengthens the major muscles. Also, swimming can be done indoors or out. Swimming is an aerobic, skill-oriented, stretching activity that improves nearly everything in your body except bone density (since it is not weight bearing). The skills and ability to swim are stored in your muscle memory, which means that when you take a break from it, you don't forget how to swim. It also means you can make improvements at any age.

If you already know how to swim but feel like you are treading water more than swimming, a few lessons can make the difference between frustration and enjoyment, as well as increase the effectiveness of your workouts. Your local fitness club or YMCA likely offers adult swimming lessons, and many cities offer swimming lessons through adult-education programs.