Water-based exercises are a perfect way to get in shape, boost your cardiovascular health, fight chronic illnesses and improve your mood. Compared to working out at the gym, swimming is gentler on your muscles and joints. Just about anyone can perform water exercises, as many of these workouts are performed in the shallower end of the pool.
Work your abdominals, hind-end, back and legs with this splashy move. Swim to a location in the pool where the water is chest high and you have access to the pool wall. Face the pool wall and grab onto the deck with one hand and place the other hand against the wall underneath the water for stability. Bring your legs and feet together and extend your legs behind you. With your legs and feet still together, kick like a dolphin. Start off by moving your hips up and down and let the movement transfer through your legs to your knees, then to your feet. Spend 30 seconds making huge splashes and then take a break. Repeat.
Strengthen your arms and shoulders with some water-resistance exercises. Grab a kickboard and swim to a location in the pool where the water meets the bottom part of your shoulders. Stand with your feet shoulder-length apart and hold the board lengthwise sideways against your arm. Contract your abdominal muscles as you move the kickboard toward the center of your body. Bring your arm back to the starting position. Repeat 10 to 12 times or until your arms grow tired. Switch arms and repeat.
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