This book puts an end to the drudgery of merely counting laps by showing you how to create your own individual fitness program--and have fun doing it! Learn how to: <UL> <LI>Determine your own fitness level <LI>Choose an appropriate training program and build upon that program with a variety of innovative workouts <LI>Use a timing clock and interval training to increase your speed and endurance <LI>Use various training equipment, such as kick boards, hand paddles, and swimming fins to strengthen stroke technique <LI>Improve your cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, and flexibility </UL> Included for quick reference are tips for streamlining strokes, checklists for proper stroke execution, and a helpful glossary of training terms as well as a section on the joys and challenges of open water swimming. "I am constantly looking for new approaches which will do at least one of the following, and possibly all three: <OL> <LI>give me a change from normal routine <LI>make me a faster swimmer <LI>challenge me to work harder </OL> <I>The Fit Swimmer</I> addresses all these in an informative and entertaining way, making this book a valuable resource for all swimmers." -- James E. Counsilman Swimming Coach Indiana University Marianne Brems is a Masters swimmer, coach of the San Mateo Master Marlins, author of <I>Swim for Fitness</I> and <I>101 Favorite Workouts</I>, and a regular columnist for <I>Swim Swim</I> magazine.