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 risks 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 or a neighbor's backyard (with parents permission and supervision for kids), a friend's pool, or another facility, 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 you 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. Swimming is especially good exercise if you have an injury, are overweight, or have joint problems. Swimming is a low-impact activity, which means that stress is taken off the joints. Whichever activity you are doing, whether it is water aerobics, lap-swimming cardio exercise, or swimming just for recreation, the reduction of stress to the joints allows for free and less-encumbered movement. If you want to burn some calories, however, low-impact doesn't mean low-intensity. There are a multitude of activities that can be done in the water that will get your heart-rate up and burn fat and calories quickly. 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! Full Body Relaxation As with exercise in general, swimming can increase your overall wellness, both mentally and physically. Even if you just float on your back in the water, letting your thoughts and worries drift away, you will end your time at the pool feeling more positive, relaxed, and more likely to get a good night's sleep. The mental benefits of swimming are a bit more difficult to quantify, but anyone who has taken a refreshing swim after a stressful day understands that some time in the pool can provide very real relaxation and helps to clear the mind. If you haven't already done so, make the effort to get access to a pool in your area. Your body and your kids will thank you for it.