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Texas Swim Teams...Not Just For Kids Any More

June 28, 2004 -- Swimming in the summer isn't unusual. What may be unusual is the number of seniors in Texas having some serious fun hitting the water as part of a swim team.

These are their own swim teams, not their grandchildren's. More than 1,700 Texans swim on one of the 72 United States Masters Swimming (USMS) teams in the area, and 126 of them are at least age 60. USMS is a national organization that provides organized workouts, competitions, clinics and workshops for adults age 18 and over. Programs are open to all adult swimmers (fitness, triathlete, competitive, non-competitive) who are dedicated to improving their fitness through swimming. Founded in 1970, USMS's annual membership numbers more than 43,000 nationwide. All levels of swimmers, from former Olympians to those who have barely stuck their toes in the water, are involved.

Numbers crunch
1,717 Masters swimmers in Texas - That's 4 percent of the USMS swimmers nationwide.
18 Minimum age for swimming in Masters
10 percent of USMS swimmers nationwide are age 60 and over
7.3 percent of USMS swimmers in Texas are age 60 and over
4 percent of USMS swimmers nationwide are age 70 and over
2.2 percent of USMS swimmers in Texas are age 70 or over
1 percent of USMS swimmers nationwide are age 80 or over
.5 percent of USMS swimmers in Texas are age 80 or over
30 percent of Masters swimmers in America participate in competitive meets
103 Age of oldest-ever Masters competitor nationwide
94, 90 Ages of Texas' two oldest members, who reside in Cibolo and Bryan

Where to get wet
Texas has 72 USMS swim groups, located in every part of the state. More information is available at www.usms.org. Go to "LMSC Info" (LMSC - Local Masters Swim Clubs), then click on any of the four LMSCs in the state of Texas. Or call 800-550-SWIM.

How much, how often
For best results for most adults, swim at a good pace for 45 minutes, three times a week. Serious swimmers may swim an hour or more per day. As always, individuals interested in starting a new fitness program should check with their physicians.    

Essentials
• Bring a swim suit (racing suit not required), goggles and a towel.
• You don't have to be an accomplished swimmer to join the program, as long as you enjoy lap swimming.
• Be willing to commit two or three days a week to practice.
• Make the priority fun and fitness. About 70 percent of all Masters swimmers don't compete in meets.



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