Swimming for Fitness

Question
Hi George
I am a fifty year old guy.looking for something new to do to keep in shape or at least not get any fatter.
I have been jogging and lifting weights,but the jogging is starting to give me sore feet,and the weights,though effective,arent turning me into Brad Pitt.
My neighbour is from Europe, and he claims swimming is the best overall exercise.
I never really got into swimming as I was a fat kid and still a chubby adult, but now I am thinking what the heck.
I just signed up for adult group lessons.
I started going to the local civic center pool facility to sit in the hot tub and spash in the pool as I found it really loosens up my back. I am a bus driver and sit for hours.
If I get the swimming bug:
-how often should I hit the pool and for how long?
-will I get a any fat burning benefits or get a swimmers body-that would be cool ;-)
-what musculoskeletal benefits will I get that are unique to swimming and I wont get from the weights or cardio?
Thanks!


Answer
Bud--
The best aspects of swimming are its aerobic qualities(cardio/jogging) and the fact it works virtually every muscle in the body.  The fat burning abilities are minimal, but they are there.  If you have access to a treadmill or a stationary bike you can gain additional benefits toward your desired fat burning, without hurting your feet as much, if you alternate them with swimming.  You should try to swim at least 3 days a week and alternate this with the treadmill/bike.  A swimmers body takes a long time to develop, but can be done.  I would also continue to lift weights as this will help firm up those muscles that are hiding under the "chubby."  Just getting active helps with the tight back, people usually get sore backs because the muscles aren't in good shape.  Any flexibility exercises you can do would help also.
Hope this helps,
George