'Whee! This is enough water for me!' Champs model Kameka is content lounging in this yellow floral halter and burgundy bikini bottom from The Mushroom and earrings from Blue.Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

Ok, ladies and gents, now that you've sweated, dieted and exercised yourself to (finally) look good in your bikini or swim trunks, it's time to hit the beach or pool.

But how many times have you gone to the beach only to sit and soak up the sun on beach chairs all day or relax on beach towels and enjoy some beverages? For the guys, playing football on the sand or just sitting and watching the ladies stroll by is also a fun pastime. While these might be all well and entertaining, maybe, just maybe you should actually go for a swim.

Swimming works your whole body, improving cardiovascular conditioning, muscle strength, endurance, posture, and flexibility all at the same time. Your cardiovascular system in particular benefits because swimming improves your body's use of oxygen without overworking your heart.

Additional health benefits

Low-impact exercise: So many people can reap the benefits of swimming. Pregnant women benefit from swimming because it helps strengthen the shoulders and abdominal muscles which can be strained when carrying a baby. The elderly women who have had a mastectomy and those recovering from an injury, often turn to swimming orwater-aerobic exercises because it's low impact, helps relax stiff muscles and isn't weight-bearing. Swimming also increases circulation.

Improve blood pressure: Studies have shown that a workout routine that includes swimming can help reduce and possibly prevent high blood pressure which lowers your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Stress reduction: You don't have to be a water sign in the zodiac to feel the meditative and healing properties of water. Swimming is extremely relaxing because it allows more oxygen to flow to your muscles and forces you to regulate your breathing. It's also a great way to relieve stress.

Additional source: www.lifescript.com.

Ok, so Champs model Tamieka has no plans to get wet but she looks great anyway in this bathing suit from The Mushroom. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer