How to Exercise in the Pool

You don’t have to have your own swimming pool in order to exercise in the pool. Many swimming clubs and fitness centers have classes for pool exercise. Water aerobics is the most popular of all water exercises. Water aerobics is low impact so can be performed by all ages and is great for those who suffer from arthritis. It is great for strengthening and toning muscles and also improving flexibility.

A good way to warm up for exercise in the pool is to swim a few laps. This will increase your heart rate and get your circulation flowing. If you prefer not to swim laps you can get the same effect by walking or running through the water. It’s not as easy as it sounds, the resistance of the water will soon have your pulse racing. Here are some easy and fun water aerobics exercises that will tone your muscles.

Leg Raises

For this exercise the water level needs to be up to your shoulders. Grip the edge of the pool for balance and stretch each leg out to the side as far as you can with your toes still pointing forwards towards the pool wall then lower. Repeat 8-10 times with each leg.

Lat Raises

In shoulder-level water let your arms rest by your sides. Life both arms to shoulder level simultaneously and hold them for a few seconds then lower. Repeat 8-10 times.

Reverse Crunch

In deep water hold a float under each arm. Keeping your feet together, raise your knees to waist level hold for a few seconds then lower. Repeat 8-10 times.

Squats

Stand in waist-deep water with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend at the knees as though you are about to sit on a chair. Keep your feet on the pool floor. Squeeze your buttocks as you return to standing.

Pool Jogging

In deep water hold a float under each arm. Make jogging movements with your legs without your feet touching the pool floor.

Don’t forget that you can become dehydrated even while you are doing exercise in the pool. Drink plenty of water while you are exercising.