As a lifeguard and swimmer of 12 years, Carr found that time in the water freed her mind from stress and kept her feeling active. Busy with her chemistry major during the school months, she knew the summer would be the perfect time to reestablish a healthy lifestyle.

Without the stress of finals, students and faculty are finding different ways to feel mentally and physically fit during the summer, in and out of the sand. With no tests to worry about, some use the down time to get up and establish an exercise routine. Whether grabbing a pair of running shoes and hitting the track or ditching the sneakers and relaxing on a yoga mat, a healthy well-being is just a step, stroke or stretch away.

“Swim allows me to refocus and keep cool,” Carr said. “Completing a few laps helps me to feel accomplished. It makes me feel good.”

Head Athletic trainer and swim teacher Pam Gibbons agrees with Carr that swimming gives people a sense of accomplishment.

“It is one of few exercises that works your entire body,” she said. “It is difficult at first, but once you finish a workout, it is really gratifying.”

On top of the benefits of the workout, Gibbons would much rather jump in a pool than deal with the summer heat.

“When it’s hot, the last thing you want to do is run,” Gibbons said. “With swimming, you can be at any fitness level. There are all sorts of water activities you can participate in.”