Exercise Information Information Research

Tell a Friend about this Site

Great Summer Workouts: Just Add Water


With warm weather season now in full gear, exercisers want to take their workouts outside and breakout of their indoor fitness ruts. But, when temperatures reach record highs and humidity levels soar, traditional outdoor workouts become less appealing. So how can you stay cool while still enjoying outdoor physical activity? One word - water. Water exercises are the perfect way to workout under the sun without overheating. You can get a total body workout without even breaking a sweat!

And don't worry if you aren't a veteran swimmer. Aquatic workouts aren't limited to just swimming. There are many other forms of pool exercises. You don't even have to be a regular exerciser to try aquatic fitness. One of the great things about working out in the water is that even fitness novices can easily perform many of the moves.

It's also an excellent fitness choice for all ages, from the very young to seniors. Water exercise is a very good way to burn calories, improve your strength and flexibility, tone-up, improve your cardiovascular system, and just get more fit overall. And, the types of workouts are practically endless. Most land exercises can be modified and re-created in water. Other benefits include:

  • lower injury risk

  • less sweating

  • works your entire body

  • challenges your body in a very different way then it is accustom to

  • refreshing way to workout

  • water provides natural resistance so no equipment is needed

  • can increase/decrease intensity (difficulty) simply by alternating between shallow and deep areas

  • good low-impact exercise choice for pregnant women

  • reduces joint compression and downward gravity pull (in other words - easier on the joints)

  • even people who can't exercise on land can often exercise in the water

  • excellent rehabilitation exercise for people recovering from an injury

  • less stress on bones and muscles

  • great option for people with arthritis

Plus, water workouts also provide a fun and more socially interactive exercise option. For example, parents can enjoy time at the pool with their children while also fitting in some of their weekly workout sessions. Aquatic aerobic classes also provide a social, group-setting alternative.

Still not convinced that an aquatic workout will challenge your body as well as some of the more common workouts like walking or jogging. Well, try some of the sample exercise below and you'll probably quickly change your mind. But, don't judge the workout solely on how high your heart rate gets. Keep in mind that swimmers generate a slightly lower heart rate when compared to cyclists and runners. This does not imply that they aren't working as hard. Experts equate the lower heart rate partially to the effect of immersion in a relatively cool environment. So, keep this in mind when determining your target heart rate, which may be 10 beats per minute lower when in the water. Also, don't make the mistake of assuming you are well hydrated just because your body is submerged in water. You still need to drink about ½ a cup of water about every 20 minutes of exercise.

Swim/Walk interval laps: Swim 1-2 laps (use any swim form you prefer: crawl, backstroke, etc). Walk 1-2 laps in the pool. Repeat sequence 4-6 times.

Water Squats: Stand in the water with feet about hip-width apart. Bend your knees slightly as you push your hips back as if you are sitting on a chair. Keep your knees behind your toes. Return to start position and repeat. The water provides extra resistance and makes this move more challenging.

Wave Jumps (for those with access to the ocean or a wave-simulator): Stand in knee-deep or less water. Each time a wave comes attempt to jump over it. Note: this is a more advanced move that requires good balance and strong swimming skills. Do not attempt this move unless you have experience swimming in waves.

Water Jogging: Can be done with the use of flotation devices where your feet don't touch the ground or the traditional way of actually jogging in the water.

For a more comprehensive list of water workouts and more detailed instructions for the above exercises, visit: http://www.workoutsforyou.com/water.htm

Remember, you should always consult your physician before trying any new exercise programs.

About The Author

Lynn Bode, author and certified personal trainer, offers her services online through WorkoutsForYou.com. Workouts For You provides affordable online exercise programs to help even the busiest of people lose weight, tone-up, build muscles, increase stamina and more via the Internet. Let us guide you one-on-one through your fitness journey with weekly customized workouts designed just for YOU! Visit: http://www.workoutsforyou.com for a free sample workout.

info@workoutsforyou.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Workplace program ups employees' exercise levels
Reuters - 1 hour ago
By Amy Norton NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A workplace program that encourages employees to set exercise goals appears to boost regular activity ...
Workers exercised more with company-based program SmartBrief
all 9 news articles


WELT ONLINE

Russia urges Israel, Lebanon to exercise restraint
Xinhua, China - 1 hour ago
8 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry on Thursday called on Israel and Lebanon to exercise restraint following a brief exchange of fire on the border ...
Russia concerned over violence on Israel-Lebanon border RIA Novosti
all 2,191 news articles


MLive.com

'Christmas on Mars' is goofy exercise
MLive.com, MI - 6 hours ago
But in a 21st-century context, this goofy exercise in bizarre symbolism and patience-testing becomes naught but something to watch after a liberal ...


Just How Useful Is Exercise at Controlling Weight?
Washington Post Blogs, DC - 51 minutes ago
The researchers stress that the findings do not mean it's not a good idea to get regular exercise, which has a host of health benefits including ...
Diet, Not Exercise, Needed to Battle Obesity? FitSugar.com
all 4 news articles


Mayor Urging Others to Exercise
WLNS, MI - 4 hours ago
Mayor Bernero is challenging five local leaders to compete in the second annual "mayor's winter warm up challenge." The elected officials will compete to ...


Find the diet and exercise plan that works for you
Statesman Journal, OR - 6 hours ago
People like different forms of exercise and can stick to different nutritional programs based on their lifestyles. The good news is that you are thinking ...
LIFE HAPPENS: Trying to keep the resolutions ‘real’ Sun
A twist on New Year's resolutions The Topsail Advertiser
New Year's Resolution to Lose Weight? It's Tough: Ask Oprah NewsReleaseWire.com (press release)
Solomon Star
all 15 news articles


New Year's Resolutions Get a Boost from Motivational Dance ...
PR Web (press release), WA - 7 hours ago
To help ring in the new year, Core Rhythms--a groundbreaking weight loss exercise concept that uses sexy Latin dance moves to tone and flatten the ...


Washington Times

Exercise may not help you lose weight
Times of India, India - Jan 7, 2009
Contrary to the common belief, physical activity may not be as important for weight loss as is diet, says a new study. For the study, researchers from ...
Researchers question whether physical activity contributes to ... Austin American-Statesman
Activity Shown To Be Less Important for Weight Loss Than Food eMaxHealth.com
all 13 news articles


Market Wire (press release)

Keeping Your New Year's Resolution on Track: American Heart ...
MSNBC - 9 hours ago
"For some time, research has indicated that individuals are far more likely to stick with an exercise regimen if someone else is counting on them," said ...
Walk For Good Health in 2009 WCIV
all 5 news articles


Ask the Trainer: Add exercise to your efforts to stop smoking
Sheboygan Press, WI - Jan 7, 2009
Not only is exercise good for you in the first place and a good distraction, it will help keep those extra pounds off. Anne Adams is a self-employed ...

Exercise - Google News



MaineBannerExchange

home | site map
© 2006