Swim activities provide the perfect environment to tone muscles and trim excess fat due to its high resistance properties. It is 800 times denser than air, so each kick and push is amplified to get you results you can see.
Swimming is usually the first water exercise that comes to mind and is an especially good workout for your core, arms, shoulders, hips, and glutes. But there are more ways to get your heart pumping other than swimming laps. Here are five ways to have a blast in the water without your swim cap.
5. Treading Water
Treading water is an easy way to burn calories and is stress-free on your ankle, knee and hip joints. It’s also a great way to engage your large muscles groups all at once.
Stand in the shallow end of the pool until the water reaches your shoulders.
Bend your knees at a 45-degree angle and begin to kick your feet back and forth, moving your arms at the same time.
Treading water for 30 minutes will burn about 300 calories.
4. Boating Activities
If you have access to a boat, wakeboarding and jetskiing are two great ways to tone your legs and core.
They can be tricky to master, but once you do, you’ll be hooked. So enjoy the mild fall weather while it lasts and head out to the lake for some boating fun.
You’ll be glad you did.
3. Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding is technically done on the water, not in it, but is still a great water workout.
The exercise works the arm muscles, thanks to all the paddling. Stand-up paddleboarding can be done in the ocean, lakes, or even some swimming pools, making it a great year-round activity.
It can be a great solo or group activity, and some people even take their dogs with them on the board.
2. Pool Sports
Got a group of sports junkie friends? Gather them together for a game of pool basketball or volleyball.
Playing sports in water is not only a ton of fun, but a great workout. The extra resistance from the water will definitely give your legs a workout.
All you need is a hoop, net, and ball to get started.
1. Group Fitness Classes
Taking a group fitness class is a great way to find support and encouragement from others with similar fitness goals.
Popular group classes such as zumba, kickboxing, pilates and yoga are normally available at a gym or studio.
But what you might not know is they’re gaining popularity in swimming pools as well.
These classes often take advantage of water weights and pool noodles to help students get a great workout in the water.
What’s Your Favorite?
Which one of these exercises would be your favorite? I vote for all of them as long as I can bring my Underwater Audio Waterproof iPod Shuffle. It makes exercise so much easier!
Please share your vote in the comment section below.
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