Have you ever heard yourself say, “I should go to the gym more,” or what about setting a resolution? Has yours been to eat healthier, or get more exercise? We all know getting yourself to work out can be a real chore. Standing in a crowded gym lifting weights isn’t for everyone. And personal trainers and classes can be pricey and a big time commitment.
Well, what can you do? Do you want to move more and be healthier?
We are here to help you change that!
No, you don’t need to buy a Peloton or start jogging while you fold the laundry. Instead, just take the cover off the pool! We’ve put together a list of the best exercises you can do right in your pool. Your pool is a great place to exercise because you can do it and not even realize it! Gather the kids, get some sunscreen and get to exercise with one of these suggestions:
1) Swim laps.
This one is pretty obvious, but it is also a great workout for the entire body! Swimming is one of the most effective ways to burn calories. If you swim quickly, you can burn up to 700 calories per hour! Swimming laps for an entire hour might be a little tough. Instead, start with a few laps, then slowly up your time. Set a target goal and try to get in a few laps each week.
2) Walk laps in the pool (shallow area).
If you don’t want to (or aren’t ready to) swim laps, try walking instead! When you walk in water, your body pushes against the resistance of the water, targeting your arms, core and legs.
3) Get in your cardio.
You can also get a great workout without swimming. Try a few exercises that require you to stand in place instead. These options use water resistance like walking in water but help you change things up a bit (and can be a bit fun).
Try holding onto the side of the pool and kicking in place to get a great workout for your legs. You can also try jumping jacks in the water. Just make sure you’re in waist-deep water to get the full effect. You can also just jump around the water to get the same effect. Get creative as you work out. You can use the ladder to do pull-ups or add pool noodles as weights.
4) Get friends and kids involved.
You’ll burn lots of calories having fun, too. Grab the family or friends and jump in. There are lots of options for exercises here. You can stage a relay race or play other pool games. You can also play basketball or volleyball in the pool. Kids also love pool noodles. Take a cue and straddle a noodle to form a “bicycle” and pedal your way around the pool. You’ll have a great time while getting moving.
Exercising in your pool is great for your full-body exercise. Most of these engage multiple muscle groups to burn more calories in a shorter amount of time. Water workouts are also a great way to get cardio and improve your endurance and flexibility.
Even better, the water helps support your muscles and joints, which puts less impact on your body than land-based workouts.
However, as with any sport or exercise routine, stay hydrated and know your limits. One of the great things about pool exercise is that you will not only get an awesome muscle workout, but you are already in a great place to cool off and relax afterward! This sounds like an exercise program we could get used to!