Exercising in the water provides you with a safe, low-impact environment for workouts from running to weightlifting. Water workouts can be done in a class setting or by yourself, with equipment or without. However, adding equipment to your routine can enhance your exercise, and make your workout safer and more enjoyable. It can also add an element of fun.
Shoes
While not absolutely necessary, aqua shoes can be a helpful addition to your pool program. Sometimes called water socks or pool shoes, these rubber shoes are meant to protect your feet in moist conditions. Water shoes provide you with traction in slippery areas. They protect your feet from the sometimes-rough bottom of the pool during exercise. And they provide protection from bacteria and fungus sometimes found in public areas.
Resistance Training
Strength training is an important part of your exercise program and using equipment will add options to your pool routine. Noodles, water weights, gloves and kickboards can all be used to enhance your resistance training. Focus on fighting the water's buoyancy while working out. Do not allow your equipment to pop up out of the water. Push weights down slowly, and resist against the water on upward movements for the best results. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends you include resistance training in your workout routine at least two times a week.
Cardiovascular
Getting your heart rate up in the water is a fun way to fit in your cardiovascular endurance training. Equipment that enhances your cardio routine includes noodles, kickboards and water belts. These items increase your flotation, allowing you more freedom of movement and less worry about maintaining your balance. When using equipment for balance during cardiovascular workouts, exercise at least five times per week for 30 minutes and focus on keeping up your speed for a workout that makes you breathe hard while working up a sweat to meet the American College of Sports Medicine's basic guidelines for activity.
Balance and Stretch
Balance and stretch exercises are two of the most important components to a well-rounded exercise plan, according to the Mayo Clinic. Noodles are an effective piece of equipment for both. Sit on your noodle side-saddle to balance while doing crunches. Hold the noodle under the arch of your foot while you pull your leg out in front of you for hamstring stretches. Another fun piece of equipment for balance is a water skateboard. Balance on top of it while you visualize surfing the waves for a core workout that provides you with a mental break at the same time.
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