We not only got in shape, our clothes fit better than they had before, and we felt more energized. The feeling came back again this spring when I, for similar reasons, began swimming after teaching English classes at San Francisco State. My body became more toned, I had more energy and the exercise was a great stress reliever. Trainers say swimming 20 to 30 minutes three or four times a week is all you need to tone your body. Those who want to build more hand, arm and shoulder muscles can use hand paddles to add tension to your stroke and make you move faster.
Some people use kickboards or fins to help build up leg muscles.
That's no excuse not to take the plunge. The East Bay has a multitude of swimming holes just waiting for you to dip into. Ranging from 15 inches to 6 feet deep, the center has five heated pools, some for lap swimming, some with water slides and one for toddlers. The site also has two dive towers and a wading pool. 8157 Village Parkway next to Dublin High School.