Exercising in the water is one of the most beneficial ways to get a low-impact, full-body workout that will leave you feeling refreshed and energized. That’s because the natural buoyancy of the water helps to lift 90 percent of your body weight, alleviating pressure from your muscles and joints. This allows for better flexibility, more effective stretches and an improved range of motion, resulting in a more productive workout.
In this article, we dive into five quick and simply pool exercises to help you round out your normal aquatic workout regimen! Read on for more!
Jog In Place
Jogging is a great way to get your blood pumping and improve your cardiovascular health. Unfortunately, jogging on pavement can be tough on the joints, especially in the knees and hips. Jogging on the spot in your pool helps reduce the pressure on your high-stress areas so you can enjoy a more comfortable workout without needing an ice pack after! For best results, try to keep your knees high and stay light on your feet!
Reverse Crunches
Crunches are an extremely beneficial core workout that targets the lower abdominals, where much of our excess belly fat tends to reside. Start to sculpt your six-pack by sitting on your pool stairs, leaning back slightly. Then, extend your legs in front of you, keeping your knees together and pull both knees toward your chest before extending your legs back out again. Try to keep your abdominal muscles tight for maximum effectiveness. This water-based technique is known as reverse crunches, which is a water-friendly take on the more traditional crunches.
For an added challenge, try bicycle kicks!
Flutter Kicks
An effective way to exercise both your legs and core, flutter kicks are a great exercise for people of any age. Simply hold onto the edge of your pool, with arms extended and elbows locked. Then, kick your legs as fast as you can, for as long as you can. This exercise works best in sets, so try timing yourself and work to improve on your time with each new set for improved results.
Squat Jumps
A highly-effective workout for your legs, core and glutes, performing squats in the pool gives you all the benefits, but without the strain on your knees! In the shallow end of your pool, squat down with your arms extended in front of you while keeping your back as straight as you can. Then, jump as high as you can while raising your arms above your head. Continue this for as many repetitions as you can with the goal of completing more squat jumps each time!
Wall Climbs
Finally, this exercise targets pretty much all of your key muscle groups, including legs, core, arms and back. Start by placing your hands, shoulder-width apart, on the edge of your pool, preferably in the deep end. Next using, kick your legs as fast as you can while also using your arms to pull yourself out of the water until they are straight and holding your weight. Then, slowly lower yourself back into the pool, controlling your descent, all while keeping your abdominal muscles tight. Repeat for as many times as you want!
Pools In New York
A pool isn’t just the ultimate in backyard fun and recreation, it’s also an investment in your overall health and wellbeing. If you’re ready to dive into a pool of your own, visit the experts at Gary Pools & Leisure! We have amazing deals on high-quality Vogue above-ground swimming pools to fit any lifestyle and budget!
