Relaxing by the pool on a sunny day is a way to visit with friends, catch up on your recreational reading or let your kids play. Make the most of your time by taking 30 minutes to work out while you are at the pool to burn calories and improve your cardiovascular health all at the same time.
Noodle Jump
Swimming noodles are not just a toy for kids to play with in the pool. Use a noodle to work your legs, arms and abdominal muscles. Stand in chest-deep water and hold the noodle in front of your chest, with your arms shoulder-width apart. Engage your abdominal muscles, push the noodle into the water and lift your legs off the pool floor. Jump over the noodle, and when you legs clear the noodle bring them back to your starting position.
Crunch
Usually, you do crunches to tone your abs while lying on the floor of your living room or gym. Crunches in the pool give you the added benefit of toning your arms at the same time. Stand in chest-deep water and move your arms back and forth right under the surface of the water. Lift your legs off the pool floor, bring your knees to your chest and then extend them out away from your body. Using your arm movements to keep yourself afloat, repeat 10 to 15 times without touching your feet to the floor.
Jogging
Jogging in the pool is much different than jogging on dry ground. When you jog in the pool, you have the resistance of the water pushing you back as you try to more forward. Begin your jog in the shallow end. Start by walking forward toward the deep end. After a few steps, lift your knees higher and slowly jog until you are in chest-deep water. Turn around and return back where you started. Jog continuously for 15 minutes.
Total Body Stretch
Stretching in the pool is just as important as it is on land. The Women Fitness website suggests performing the total body stretch. Go to the side of the pool and hold onto the edge with your body in the water. Lift your legs and place your feet flat against the side of the pool. Without losing contact with the pool edge or side, straighten your knees but do not lock them. Slowly bend your legs and return to your starting position. This exercise stretches your legs, back and arms.
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