A low cost swimming program and team is helping Bronx families develop healthy habits. NY1’s Erin Clarke filed the following report.

Nicole Gomez admits she's not like most of her classmates.

"A lot of kids my age like to eat junk food. I'm like. I started eating fruits and vegetables and drinking protein shakes," Gomez said.

Her healthy eating habits are a direct result of her lifestyle.

Gomez, 12, is a member of the Bronx Works Blue Waves Swim Team. The team grew out of the organization's general aquatics program at its Grand Concourse location. It offers swimming lessons for kids as young as six months old, in addition to programs such as lifeguard training and water aerobics.

Swim team members are as young as five. They practice for about two hours a day, four days a week. The kids say full body exercise really pays off.

"It helps a lot of your all around body, your muscles. Your arms, your legs, your abs. Your lungs, circulatory system, it all helps, swimming helps,” said Sean Dilshand of the Blue Waves Swim Team.

"Swimming back and forth for an hour, like for example, the competitive swim team does, an hour, an hour and a half long, you're burning a thousand calories easily," said Aquatics Director Eileen Towey.

Parents say they see a difference in their kids when they're not swimming too.

"Immune system has really developed. They are not getting the common flu and cough anymore. They're not tired quickly. They're sleeping better. In school their grades have gone up," said parent Gowkarran Dilshand.

The changes have encouraged entire families to adopt a healthier lifestyle as well.

"We're eating a lot different since they've been joining the pool and lost weight and keeping ourselves in shape, walking a lot more, exercising and so on," Dilshand said.

And the best thing about swimming, the Blue Waves coach says -- anyone can do it. The sport isn't for a particular body type -- the water actually makes you lighter and it's low impact.

For more information on the Bronx Works Aquatic Program, visit bronxworks.org/aquatics or give them a call at 718 508-3080.

During the month of February, Time Warner Cable News is committed to informing our viewers of the sometimes alarming trends facing our kids' health as well as provide helpful tips for busy parents.  Get more information on Fit Kids February, including the Fit Kids Challenge, healthy shopping suggestions and ways you can get involved to help make you and your children healthier!