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Abdominals - Part 1
Abdominals - Part 2
Abdominals - Part 3
Fitness Mistakes
Getting In Shape
Exercise Intensity
Top 10 Health Tips
20 Ways to Lose Weight
Weight Training Benefits
Why Work Out?
Tone Up Flabby Arms
Free Fitness Tips
Workout Plateaus
Interval Training
Workout At Home
How to Get Sexy Abs
Water Workouts
Weight Loss Lifestyle
Is It Safe To Run While Sick?
Tips for Healthy
Eating Habits
Wedding Fitness Questions
Wedding Day Tips
Workouts That Travel
Top Fitness Questions
Common Fitness Pitfalls
Play Ball To Get Fit
Working out Through Menopause
Women's Strength Program
Getting In Shape With The Internet
10 Steps To Fitness Motivation
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MAKE A SPLASH WITH WATER WORKOUTS
With warm weather season now in full swing, exercisers want to take their workouts outside and breakout of their the routine of their indoor fitness ruts. Water workouts and exercises are the perfect way to workout under the sun without becoming overheated. You can get a total body workout without even breaking a sweat!
Aqua workouts aren't limited to just swimming. There are many other forms of exercises for the pool. You don't even have to be a regular exerciser to try aqua fitness. One of the great things about working out in the water is that fitness newbies can easily perform many of the exercises without as much strain
Water workouts are an excellent fitness choice for all ages. It's a good way to burn calories, improve strength and flexibility, tone-up, improve cardiovascular function, and become more fit. Most land exercises can be modified and done in the water. Other benefits include:
- lower injury risk
- works the entire body
- natural resistance = no equipment needed
- increase/decrease intensity by utilizing shallow and deep areas
- great exercise choice for pregnant women
- easier on the joints = great for seniors, the obese and arthritis sufferers
- excellent injury rehabilitation
Water workouts are a fun exercise option. Aqua-aerobic classes also provide a social, group-setting alternative. Try some of the sample exercises below and you'll realize right away that water workouts are as challenging and effective as workouts done on land. But, don't judge the workout solely on how high your heart rate gets, and don't make the mistake of assuming you are well hydrated just because your body is submerged in water. A cooler environment will keep your heart rate lower, and you still need to drink about 8 oz of water about every 20 minutes of exercise.
Swim/Walk Lap Intervals: Swim 1-2 laps (use any swim stroker: crawl, backstroke, etc). Walk 1-2 laps in the pool. Repeat sequence 2-4 times.
Water Squats: Stand in the water with feet about hip-width apart. Bend your knees slightly as you push your hips back as if you are sitting on a chair. Keep your knees behind your toes. Return to start position and repeat. The water provides extra resistance and makes this traditional move more challenging.
Wave Jumping: (for those with access to the ocean, or you're going to the beach): Stand in knee-deep or less water. Each time a wave comes attempt to jump over it. Note: Do not attempt this move unless you have extensive experience swimming in waves.
Water Running: Can be done with the use of floats and other swimming aides and devices where your feet don't touch the ground or the traditional way: running in the water.
The water represents a great new way to get outside, stay cool, and get in shape all at the same time. If you're able to try it, there's no reason not to!
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