As June gives May a friendly nudge to pack its bags, we can finally make our way to the shore for a refreshing dip in the salty sea. While we’re at, why not perform a few mermaid moves to tone up and banish that belly bulge?!
Why water workouts work
Water exercises are very low impact, and can generally be tailored to any fitness level. As a result, they are great for relieving symptoms of arthritis and fibromyalgia. As you glide through the water, you simultaneously work many of your muscle groups. Not only does this , which not only strengthens them, but it also builds up your general cardiovascular endurance.
Despite their low impact, these workouts can still be high intensity as the water provides physical resistance to your body and poses a challenge to your hard-working muscles.
Five moves to try in the water
The Russian Twist
An aquatic spin on this classic land exercise will have you feeling stronger than Michael Phelps. Gripping a weight between your hands, lift one leg up to your side at a time, and twist in the opposite direction of the leg lift with your upper body.
The Superman to Spiderman
Channel your inner superhero as you hold onto the edge of the pool and fully extend your legs outward. Once you assume this “Superman” position, pull your legs all the way into your belly and towards the edge of the pool to become “Spiderman”.
Pool Plank
Be still as a board while you extend a pool noodle into the water with both hands, and stretch your legs behind you into a push-up position. Keep your entire body straight from head to toe while your arms stay perpendicular.
Otter Roll
Transform into a semi-aquatic mammal as you float on your back, hugging a beach ball. Use your abdominal strength to kick yourself over to one side, and back.
Chaos Cardio
Become a total “water wacko” with this crazy exercise. Simply run in place as you would on a treadmill, and feel the burn!
Sources:
https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/exercise/arthritis-friendly/lap-swimming.php
https://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2016/02/19/benefits-water-exercises.aspx
https://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-living/fitness/8-pool-exercises-burn-fat-fast/
