Aquatic exercise done in either deep or shallow water improves health and well-being in participants. According to Northwestern Health Sciences University website Healthy U, benefits include improved balance and coordination, improved cardiovascular and muscular endurance, and the opportunity for social interaction. Water naturally provides resistance, making it more difficult to move your arms and legs, but to work your muscles harder, you can use a water noodle to increase resistance and strengthen your muscles further.
Step Down
Stand with your back against the side of the swimming pool in water that's between waist- and chest-deep. Lift your left knee and place the center of a noodle squarely under the center of your foot. With your body upright and your left knee at a 90-degree angle, press your left foot down into the water, using the noodle as resistance to the movement. On land, this movement would be similar to stepping onto a chair, except instead of stepping up, you are doing the step movement without moving. Raise your left knee back up to the 90-degree angle and repeat 10 to 15 times before switching to your right foot.
Leg Curl
Tie the noodle in a knot around your left foot and stand against the pool wall in water roughly waist-deep. Extend your left leg out in front of your body, with your knee straight. Keeping your upper leg stable, bend your left knee until it reaches 90 degrees. You should feel this movement primarily on the back of your thigh, in your hamstrings. Extend your leg and repeat 10 to 12 times before switching legs.
Tricep Press Down
Stand in water that is chest deep. Hold a noodle against your chest, with your hands at your chest and your elbows out, almost as if imitating chicken wings. With your palms facing down, press the noodle straight down into the water, keeping the noodle close to your body. You should feel this movement your triceps, or the back of your arms. When your elbows are fully extended, reverse the movement, and very slowly, bring the noodle back to chest height. The noodle will naturally want to rise to the water's surface, so by slowing the movement down, you will work your shoulders. Repeat the exercise 10 to 12 times.
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