1. Get Along Swimmingly
You don't need to be a great swimmer to take part in pool workouts. You don't even have to know how to float. Many of the exercises can be done standing in the water. You can perform some water workouts while floating on a kickboard or a flotation device. Wearing a life vest will not preclude you from getting a good workout. Of course, if you do know how to swim, the number and types of exercises available to you increase a lot.
2. OK to be Shallow
Standing in the shallow end of the pool and hold on to the side for balance. Lift your leg and kick it out, one at a time. The pressure of the water adds resistance to the exercise. Water also helps people with degenerative diseases, such as arthritis, to enjoy a workout with less pain. Squats and deep knee bends can also be done in the shallow end of the pool. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Then put your hands on your hips and squat till your chin touches the waterline. Squeeze your gluteus while rising and you can double the benefits of this workout.
3. Buoy oh Buoyancy
If you are a swimmer, you can do laps in the pool to get a great workout. For an aerobic routine, swim as fast as you can and turn quickly at each end of the pool. You will engage a different set of muscles with each different stroke. Float to cool down and resume the workout with the next stroke. Include backstroke, breaststroke and regular swim strokes. Use a kickboard for buoyancy and kick out, first from the knees down to work the calf muscles and then kick with your whole leg to work your thighs and buttocks.
4. Play Well With Others
Synchronized swimming is a great way to add a pool workout to your exercise routine. The sport involves swimming in time with other swimmers usually to music. The moves are done in concert with the other swimmers to give the spectators a total picture. Many of the moves in synchronized swim performances require great muscle control and aerobic activities. Competing on a team will give to you the added incentive to continue with your exercise regimen.
5. That's Deep man
Keeping your head above water in the deep end of the pool involves constant kicking, giving your legs a great workout. Just don't give up when your breathing increases, since you can reach aerobic level exercise with very little effort. When you feel your legs giving out, switch to using your arms. The trick is not to let you head go under. Flapping your arms to stay afloat requires more effort, but really works on getting rid of that fleshy underarm swing.
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