Arguably the most effective total body exercise, swimming provides the best non-impact workout that can boost your cardiovascular health and strengthen your muscles.  Swimming is suitable for all levels of fitness and is especially beneficial for those who've experience joint pain with weight bearing activities (walking, running, aerobics).  While it doesn't burn as many calories, it provides either an excellent cross training compliment to those activities or a great cardio builder for those just getting started on an exercise program.

Swimming requires more technique than any of the other training activities.  Therefore you'll want to employ some resources to develop proper form.  A Masters Swimming program would be the best option if you already possess some swimming skills.  If you have a Masters program in your area, you can plug into their group swims and receive coaching from a certified swim instructor.  Masters programs are suitable for novices but can also challenge you enough to compete in swim meets if that's your desire.

If you haven't swam since your first lessons as a kid, and the dog paddle is now your preferred stroke, we'd suggest you invest in some quality instruction.  Those Masters swim coaches mentioned above often provide individual swim lessons for beginners.  Or check out your local county or city pool - they'll most likely offer beginning swim lessons.

There's also good technique that you can learn on your own with a DVD.  The most popular series is called Total Immersion.  The beginner video can teach anyone who's never swam how to get started.  From there you can progress into more challenging exercises all demonstrated on the video.

Finally, you're going to need some equipment.  10:10 Wellness offers swim suits and swim aids for men and women from Finis, a leader in competitive swim products.  And guys, don't worry than you're going to have to wear a bikini suit (aka, a Speedo).  We can set you up in some Jammer shorts so you won't look like a dork in the pool in your swim trunks - plus you'll swim faster!