I’ve never been much of a woman to pound the pavement as much as I’ve preferred to get in the water. My motivation to exercise outside is limited with humidity and temperatures reaching 100 degrees. So I’m always excited to have some type of alternative, especially when the alternative involves water.
Swimming, and overall water aerobics provide one of the best ways to slim down to a skinny-mini before the summer is up. Not to mention, it’s fun, and heat resistant!
Here are some water exercises that Fitness Magazine has for the fish in you:
K- Tread –
In the deep end, tread water, making small circles with cupped hands, and lift right leg straight in front of you at hip level while reaching toes of left leg toward bottom of pool. Hold for 5 seconds. Switch legs quickly, bringing right leg down as you raise left leg, and hold for 5 seconds. Continue for 30 seconds, alternating sides.
For this you’ll need a beach ball. Hugging beach ball to chest, float on back, legs extended, feet together. Roll toward left and over top of ball (like an otter spinning in the water), using entire body — shoulders, back, core, legs — to make a full revolution, returning to start. Take a breath. (Beginners can rock from side to side with head above water throughout.) Continue for 30 seconds, alternating direction of roll.
Standing in shallow end of pool, simultaneously sit back into water, treading with hands by sides, and lift both legs together so that you fold at the hips (like a jackknife) and your body forms a wide V, with head and toes just above surface. Maintaining V position, move cupped hands in small circles by hips to tread water and propel yourself forward (sculling) down length of pool for 30 seconds
I’ve been using water aerobics as my primary exercise method for about a year because it protects me from impacts to my knees, feet and hips. Everyone should try it. And don’t let the water fool you! You’ll get s great workout.