What’s that? You want to see weight loss but don’t like to sweat? With June, July & August stretching before us, consider the pool as an option for exercise! Pools can be a great place for you to burn calories & gain lean body mass while keeping yourself cool. Plus it’s fun – what more could you ask for?
We all know that swimming is a great form of cardio exercise. But, did you know that there are many ways to benefit from water play even if you don’t swim?
Pool workouts give you “better balance, agility and endurance, which is a great confidence boost for anyone who has shied away from exercise in the past,” says Mary Sanders, Ph.D., associate professor at the University of Nevada School of Medicine.
Start with water walking! Waist-deep water is ideal for you to walk across the pool swinging your arms like you do when walking on land. Place your whole foot down with each step and keep your back straight. Engage those abdominal muscles for an extra bonus. If that seems too easy, a pair of water gloves or aqua dumbbells can add resistance. (The pool stores carry these type of toys but so do most of the discount stores). Looking to kick it up a bit? Try jogging! All of the impact that your feet, ankles & knees absorb on land is gone but the benefits are still in place.
The buoyancy you feel may make it more comfortable to exercise for longer periods of time, allowing you to burn more calories. Aquatic exercise is often recommended for people with joint pain. Water helps to support and massage the body as you exercise and may make it easier to increase your range of motion. Because your body is supported by water your heart rate is slightly lower, water workouts are relatively safe for overweight or pregnant individuals and those suffering from hypertension and heart disease.
Take advantage of the resistant properties of water to strengthen those muscles in the core and upper body as well. Have fun but don’t forget sunscreen!
Cat Keller has a wealth of experience in marketing, e-marketing, advertising and customer service and manages our Weight Loss Nutritional Store. She is always planning something fun and exciting. special events, discounts, giveaways – it’s never a dull moment. She is happy to help you with questions you may have regarding our products or services. Cat is a graduate of William & Mary, where she studied Government/Pre-Law and minored in Marketing.