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Where can you go to work out and cool off at the same time? Into the water!

Last time, Lauren showed how to get a good cardio workout in the cool of the pool.  This time, she's talking toning.

Aquatic exercise is great for you and can be an awesome workout.  Plus it’s a great way to cool off during the heat of the summer!  Try these easy exercises to tone your lower body.  For some, you'll need a noodle or flotation belt.  For most, it's just you and the water.

Bicycling – Using a noodle or flotation belt. If using a noodle wrap it around your back, under your arms. Lean back into the noodle and bend your knees like you are bicycling. If using a belt, back up against the pool deck and rest your arms on the edge of the pool bend your knees and pedal.

Scissors – Use a belt or noodle. Same positions as noted above. Straighten your legs and knees. Push your legs out to the side and pull them in together crossing them over each other.

Squats – Stand in waist to shoulder deep water, facing the pool wall. Place your hands on the wall for balance. Squat down keeping your knees and feet facing forward; sit back as if sitting back in to a chair. Stand back up pushing through your heels and repeat.

Lunges – Position your right leg in front of the left. Stand with a bend in the right knee and straighten your left behind you with your toes on the pool floor. Push off and jump to alternate legs.

Calf raises – Stand facing the pool wall with your hands on the edge. Square your hips and shoulder with the wall. Push up onto your toes, lifting your heels off of the pool surface and slowly lower your heels back down.

H2O Walking – In chest deep water walk forward and backwards. Also walk side – to – side.  Swing your opposing arm as you step.

Once again, don't forget to stretch. Stretching can be done in the pool. You can use the steps or pool edge as an aid.

And remember… start slowly. It’s easy to get carried away in the water due to the buoyancy.  Remember that the water acts as resistance, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself fatigued and maybe even with some muscle soreness. Get out there and enjoy the water. It’s a great escape from the summer heat.

Take care,
Lauren

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