Beat the Heat With Water Workouts
When the heat of summer makes that daily walk seem more like a chore, beat the heat with a pool workout!Aquatic exercise can provide more of a workout than you might think. Water makes us more buoyant, which makes it easier for us to improve flexibility and move in the water, and less prone to falling or losing balance. Water also offers some serious resistance, making the pool a great place to strengthen muscles. And yes, you can definitely get a cardio workout in the pool!A great pool workout doesn’t require any special equipment, but there are some items that can make it more fulfilling. Water shoes can help with traction on the floor, and a pool noodle can provide stability and resistance. And, you’ll definitely want a water bottle nearby. You may be in the pool, but you are still sweating!
To get started, try water walking or jogging. This can be done in place or by moving across the shallow end of the pool. Try alternating jogging with walking to increase the intensity.
- Grab a noodle and hold it with both hands, extended out in front of you. Gently push it down using your back and shoulders until your arms are straight and pointed at the bottom of the pool. Slowly raise them back up, and repeat for a great upper body exercise.
- Standing in shallow water near a pool wall for support, lunge forward onto one foot, making sure to keep your knee from extending past your ankle. Try ten reps and switch to the other side.
- In deeper water, rest with your noodle around your back, with your arms on top of the noodle for support in the water. Move your legs as if you are riding a bicycle. Continue for 3-5 minutes. You can add another noodle if you need more support!
Water exercise can be a relief from pain and sensitivity from fibromyalgia, arthritis, back pain and other conditions as well as a fun workout during the hot summer months that feels refreshing and easy.But don’t be fooled in the pool; you are working hard! Stretch, drink plenty of water, and listen to your body. Then, enjoy the energy and refreshment from a great water workout!Click HERE to learn more about the Wellview services available to you. We can’t wait to work with you!
– HEATHER FUSELIER, CHWC, CFP, TTS
Health Advisor | Email Heather
