Carol J. Buck, M.I.A., CEO of Xenna Corporation, (www.xenna.com) which distributes natural foot care products, says, "When I was doing laps in the YWCA pool with my flippers on, I would get out of the pool and people would say, 'How do you keep your nice figure?' and I would reply, 'Swimming with fins.' Swimming is definitely the best way to eliminate cellulite and keep your arm, leg and stomach muscles lean and shapely."

Even for those who can't swim, water workouts provide tremendous health benefits. Workouts include water walking (walking in the pool, feet touching the bottom), water jogging (feet don't touch; a flotation device is used and running is simulated) and water strength exercises (squats and bicep curls).

Most individuals interested in getting into a swim or water fitness routine can benefit from the following tips:

• · The American College of Sports Medicine recommends swimming at least three times a week for about 30 minutes at a time.
• · An inexperienced swimmer expends three or four times the energy to cover the same distance - for maximum speed, slow your kick and keep your elbows up and your arms close to your body
• · Exhale completely while your face is under water and keep a nice, steady pace
• · Remember that to get the most benefit from swimming, focus on slipping through the water with as little drag as possible.
• · Wear flip-flops or other footwear in the locker room to avoid picking up athlete's foot

In spite of the fact that most aging Americans recognize the benefits of going to the pool, Buck says many continue to put off getting "on the program." Obstacles include feeling too tired, not having enough time, not being confident in how they look in a swimsuit - and being embarrassed about the appearance of their feet.

Xenna Corporation (www.xenna.com) distributes natural foot care products that address the problem of unattractive feet, especially thickened, discolored toenails and dry, cracked heels.

Xenna's diabetic-friendly NonyX® Nail Gel is a natural ethanoic nail gel that breaks down and removes keratin debris - the discolored, yellow or thick granular buildup under nails which is the actual source of nail discoloration. After using NonyX Gel for 3 or 4 weeks, keratin debris is soft enough so that it can begin to be scraped out from under the nail. Overall nail appearance improves over time as keratin debris exfoliates with continued use of this money-back guaranteed gel.

Former All-American swimmer Dr. William Holmes used to be self-conscious about his feet and even stopped swimming at public pools until he used NonyX Nail Gel. Dr. Holmes says, "I had not considered anything topical for my nails in twenty years, but then I tried NonyX Gel and it made a huge improvement in the appearance of my toenails."

CalleX® Ointment from Xenna is another diabetic-friendly product that smoothes and moisturizes dry, cracked heels. It also thins and softens rough, hardened patches on toes and soles. CalleX's natural enzymes selectively exfoliate dry, cracked, thickened and scaly feet, while its petrolatum base retains natural skin moisture. Peppermint-scented CalleX is also free of potentially irritating acids, mineral oil, colorants, parabens and lanolin and is also money-back guaranteed.

Buck says, "When I swim, I can't help but notice the condition of peoples' feet. Unfortunately, the older we get, the more likely we are to develop unattractive toenails or heels - and, paradoxically, that's when maintaining a regular exercise routine is more important than ever for maintaining a youthful appearance. The solution is to use products that improve body appearance so that embarrassment is not an obstacle to getting fit."

NonyX Nail Gel can be purchased in the footcare section of Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS, Wal-Mart, Longs, Eckerd Pharmacy, Brooks Pharmacy, Duane Reade, HEB grocery stores and most Medicine Shoppes. Online, it is also available at www.drugstore.com and www.xenna.com.

CalleX Ointment is sold in the footcare section of Walgreens, Longs and many Medicine Shoppe pharmacies, and online at www.drugstore.com and www.xenna.com.

For photos of toenails and heels before and after using Xenna products, click on www.xenna.com.

Xenna Corporation is a privately-held, woman-owned company based in Princeton, NJ which develops and distributes natural personal care products for skin, hair and nails.