Make a splash, like Julia Roberts

There's a swimming pool in my neighborhood and while it's full of kids and families during the days and on weekends, early mornings and late evenings are pretty peaceful pool times. No canon balls. No "Marco," "Polo." No screaming. No shouting. No inflated tubes. No rafts. No water torpedos. No dive sticks. Just quiet. And stillness. Which makes it perfect for a water workout.

I'm about to make my splash in that pool. I'm about to stretch and run and jump and swim until my muscles are strong and lean. Julia Roberts is doing it. I can too.

Celebrity trainer Kathy Kaehler has Roberts in the pool and has tasked her with a range of shallow and deep-water activities, cardio exercises -- like jumping jacks, water walking, and water running -- and for toning, Kaehler has Roberts doing scissors, heel lifts, leg circles, and knee swivels.

Why the pool? Because water resists the movements of your body and increases the challenge. There's also no impact in the water, so exercises are easy on the joints and helpful for those with injuries and arthritis. Working out in the water is good for the mind too. Water is refreshing and allows participants to feel light and relaxed.

Kaehler recommends this book for those interested in hopping in the pool for more than a leisurely swim: The Complete Waterpower Workout Book. Written by Lynda Huey, an expert in athletic water training, this book will have you looking like a celebrity -- or a professional athlete, if that's more up your alley -- in no time flat.