Many Central Texans are diving into the pool for an outstanding workout and a good way to beat the summer heat.

Dr. Keith Bell with the American Swimming Association encourages people to add swimming to their workout regimen.

"The most important thing is have fun," Dr. Bell said. "Stay relaxed. Swimming is done lying down."

That sounded easy, but I soon discovered I had a lot of work to do before I'd be swimming like the members of Team Texas, a group led by Dr. Bell and his wife Sandy, an Olympic champion.

"Swimming is so low impact," Dr. Bell said. "It's about the best thing you can do for your body."

Dr. Bell works with the American Swimming Association to promote the sport to swimmers of all levels.

"If you relax in the water, it's really easy to float," Dr. Bel said. "It's really easy to swim. It's very difficult to lie down on the bottom of the pool."

Team Texas practices several mornings a week, training for everything from open water races to triathlons.

"Swimming is so easy to set goals for," Dr. Bell noted. "Whether for the beginner it's increasing distance. Or for the really good swimmer you can set a goal every time you go out with a time goal."