There's this workout that is really good at getting people in shape, fast. It tones your whole body and gives you a great cardiovascular workout with little impact to your joints. Chances are you did it when you were a kid (even took lessons!) and have continued to do it sporadically throughout your adult life too. Want to know what it is? It's swimming.

Yeah, I know. You hate the chlorine and you can't stand the thought of people seeing you in your bathing suit. You probably should get over it though because swimming is basically the perfect sport, and this article from yahoo health agrees. For me, getting into the pool is easy -- I have an inborn love of the water. I'm not the strongest swimmer, but I'm hoping to change that. After all, swimming at an easy pace can burn 560 calories an hour!

Other reasons that people don't think of swimming as an ideal workout is because they're not strong swimmers, like me. But it's a vicious circle -- how do you expect to become a good swimmer if you never do it? Check with your local pool -- I can almost guarantee that there is some sort of class for people like you and me, who want to swim but are afraid of looking like an bit of a dummy with all our splashing and flailing and trying to get air.

If your thinking of embarking on a swimming regime, check this out -- it's a step-by-step guide to getting started in the pool. Do you know most of the techniques but are trying to perfect them? Check this out -- it has technique advice for beginners to advanced swimmers. Afraid of the water? Sorry, I can't really help. Ask your doctor about your options. If you don't like the idea of swimming up and down a lane, check your local pool for an aquafit or aquasize class -- it's like doing aerobics underwater and it burns just as much, if not more, calories.

Do you swim? Do you love it? If you don't, will you try it?