Members of the Vicksburg Swim Association are providing an excellent example we should all follow.

While many members of the association swim competitively, they remind us of the many health benefits of swimming.

During a practice recently at the swimming pool at Wyatt’s Gym on Manor Drive, one member of the team said he has fewer asthma attacks because of swimming, which has strengthened his lungs.

Another member said swimming provides him with a full-body exercise because it uses all of the muscles in the body.

VSA Coach Matthew Mixon said the goal of the swim team is to instill at a young age good habits to last a lifetime.

That’s a lesson many of us should learn.

As soon as the holidays are over, many of us will be looking for a way to burn off those additional calories consumed during time spent celebrating.

Experts say swimming is a sport one can do at almost any age. It keeps your heart rate up but takes some of the weight or impact off of your body. It tones and builds muscle strength and builds cardiac endurance.

And one doesn’t have to swim to get the benefits of exercising in a swimming pool. Walking in a pool or doing aerobic exercises, like those available during water aerobics classes at Wyatt’s Gym, are great ways to burn calories and strengthen your body.

In addition, swimming, like other exercises, improves mood and reduces stress and anxiety.

It’s a win-win for your body and state of mind.

Vicksburg residents are fortunate in that Wyatt’s Gym offers a swimming pool facility, as does the Purks YMCA here.

When you’ve finished the last of the eggnog and eaten your last candy cane and your mind turns to getting ready for shorts and a swimsuit this summer, maybe swimming is the exercise for you.

Members of the Vicksburg Swim Association suggest you give it a try.