A few years back, United States Masters Swimming issued a press release reminding those with active lifestyles that swimming can be a "rigorous, effective fitness workout—and be fun in the process."
While this may seem obvious to habitual swimmers, there are athletes out there who think pools are strictly child's play or summer fun. There is also a widely circulated fallacy that swimming is not an effective form of weight loss.
Throughout the year, many American Red Cross, YMCA, and Jewish Community Centers offer classes and organized workouts for the uninitiated.
Therefore, it seems appropriate to offer a brief recap of the reasons why everyone can benefit from swimming as a primary, secondary or alternative form of physical fitness to complement their existing routine.