One reason, swimming is so popular as a sport, even among those who use it for aerobic conditioning, is that, it is a comparatively painless form of exercise. On a hot summer day, the water dissipates body heat; in the winter, heated indoor pools are a comforting alternative to outdoor activity. Swimming is a particularly good exercise for those who are otherwise restricted in movement because of age, disease, or injury. Babies introduced to water at age 2 months demonstrate no fear. For the elderly, swimming is an easy and restful way of maintaining fitness. Even people with back problems, arthritis, and minor aches and pains find they can exercise vigorously yet comfortably in the water. With no solid resistance to body movement, the swimmer is spared the trauma of such rhythmical gravity sports as running.
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MARCH 2
