Aquatic fitness is popular among exercisers looking for a no-impact form of exercise. Although many participants have a disability, others who find this activity beneficial include seniors, expectant mothers or those recovering from an injury. Aquatic fitness offers social elements that are generally lacking in other exercise environments. In addition, pool water acts as a soothing agent on sore muscles and joints. Exercise tools, such as the spaghetti tube, also known as a pool noodle, expand the variety of exercises that can performed.
Pool Plank
The plank works your abdominal muscles. To begin, stand in the shallow end of the pool and hold an end of the pool noodle in each hand so it is vertical. Push it into the water and lean forward until your entire body is at a 30-degree angle. Hold this position for one to two minutes. Repeat two to three times.
Single-Legged Balance
The single-legged balance exercise targets your leg and core. Stand in the shallower end of the pool so the water comes to your waist. Lift your right leg so your quadriceps muscle is horizontal to the bottom of the pool. Place your foot onto the middle of the noodle, with the ends facing the pool surface. Keep your arms and hands down at your sides. Balance using your right foot on the noodle for one minute. Repeat three to five times before switching legs and repeating.
Cardiovascular Resistance Exercise
This exercise targets the chest, back, arms and core muscles. In the middle of the pool, place the noodle between your legs so one end is in front, the other behind you. Keep your torso straight and use a pedaling motion with your legs, moving as quickly through the water as possible, using your hands and arms for balance and directional control. Perform for three to five minutes.
More Ideas
You can use the spaghetti tube in many different ways. Because it provides buoyancy, you can place it across your chest, lie on your stomach, and kick, working the leg muscles. You can lie on your back with the spaghetti tube wrapped around your torso and kick, working your leg muscles. Place the spaghetti tube behind your back, providing you with support while you perform crunches. Push it underwater to provide resistance for various arm exercises. Tie it around your waist and run through the water --- it will provide added resistance.
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