Water Aerobics In Your Swimming Pool

Swimming is one of the best full body workouts you can perform. What makes it so great is that it combines a strength training workout with an aerobic (or cardio) workout.  The water gives resistance to help build muscle and swimming at a face pace, or even walking, provides excellent cardio. Another reason water aerobics are great is the low impact. This helps to relieve pressure on your bones and joints.

There is just one more benefit that I would like to point out before we talk about different exercises. Like most people, when I workout I sweat (a lot) and I hate it. In a swimming pool you sweat too, but you don’t notice because your in water. This really helps me to get more exercising done.

Water Walking

Water walking is exactly what it sounds like; walking in the water. Above ground swimming pools are great for this type of exercise because they that one depth, unlike some inground pools which can vary in deepness. Start off by walking around in your pool moving your arms back in forth in the water. Keep your back straight and walk like you normally would on land. If you are having trouble gaining traction you can purchase a pair of water shoes. Also, if you are looking to increase the intensity you can buy a pair of webbed gloves for your hands. With these gloves it’s harder to push the water causing more resistance.

Another way to increase your workout is by walking in deeper water, like an inground pool. To stop from sinking you can use a flotation device like a float belt (designed for working out in the pool) or use a pool noodle to keep yourself up.

Water Jogging

Increase your water walking workout by increasing your speed. Water jogging is an intense workout.

Water Weights

If you visit any sporting good store or even a pool supply shop you might find water weights. The funny thing about water weights is they are extremely light (ironic). They are made of foam that create a degree of resistance when under water. With water weights there are numberous arm and leg workouts you can do, the same as you would on land.

Swimming

We saved this one for last because it’s the most obvious. Swimming is the best way to perform a full body workout, burn calories and feel like your not sweating. Sounds awesome! I always bring up Michael Phelps and the fact that he works out so much in the pool that he needs to consume more calories than an average person because he burns so many and when I say more than average I mean 12,000 calories a day. That’s insane! You can read more about it here: The Michael Phelps Diet.

I don’t expect everyone to go out there and swim as much as he does, but it is definately a great workout. If you have a swimming pool in your backyard and would love a great workout, you don’t have to go to the gym.