Summer nearly here and it’s time to get into shape so you can proudly show off that summer bod at the beach or lazing by the pool. Your backyard pool is a great way to train and there are a number of products and exercises available that will help you get back into shape this summer.
Training in water has many benefits and one of the most notable ones is that it’s low impact. This means that you won’t be jolting and straining your joints as much as you would if you were to go jogging.
This post is dedicated to providing you with some tricks and tips to use your backyard pool as your own personal gym.
Go Swimming
Swimming is a great exercise for building strength and it’s also good for cardiovascular health. The common backyard pool is hardly ideal for cutting laps because after a few strokes you have tumble turn and this can become frustrating. There are a range of harnesses on the market that attach to a fixed point and then around the sternum that holds you in place so you are basically getting all the benefits of swimming but you don’t move.
There are also jets you can install into your pool that will push water against so basically your swimming against the current. This can get a little costly but if you have some spare dough laying around it’s a good investment and allows you a little more freedom than the harnesses.
Go Running
Go for a run in the pool. This may sound a little silly but the benefits of running laps of your pool are significantly better than running on land. The water provides resistance which will aid in strengthening your muscles and cardio health while cutting down on the rigorous jolting effect that road running has on the body. There is also the option of purchasing small weights to make your workout all the more effective.
Water Aerobics
Water aerobics is nothing new and continues to gain popularity for good reason. It’s a great way to keep in shape and have fun at the same time. There are a number of routines that can be found on YouTube or if you’re really keen, make up your own.
Kickboard Kicks
Using a kickboard is a great way to isolate the lower half of your body and strengthen the core and legs. Simple place the kickboard in your hands and propel yourself along by kicking. Be sure to keep your legs straight as most of the resistance and work out should come from the core and the upper legs. After a few laps, you will start to feel the burn and know that it’s working.
Jump Like a Kangaroo
This is a fun one. Basically, you are doing laps but instead of running you are jumping with two feet together. This is great for building muscle tone in the legs and it’s fun to feel the weightlessness after each jump.
Leg Lifts
This one requires you to use the edge of the pool with your back facing the edge. Hold onto the edge and keep your legs straight. Then simple lift to a 90-degree angle and do this until you can’t do it anymore. Three reps should be enough. This is a great exercise for your abs and core. It will also strengthen your lower back.
Pool Floats
There are pool float dumbbells on the market that are kind of like weights but work in a different way. The resistance comes from the floatation. So you are pushing them under the water then slowly allowing them to resurface. That way you will get resistance both ways and your workout will be more effective.
Noodling Around
The humble pool noodle is just a toy for the children. It can be used as a serious exercise tool that has a myriad of applications.
Use it for planking in the water. Hold the noodle in two hands shoulder width apart and push it down until you are in a plank position. Then hold the position.
You can also use the pool noodle for press downs. Simply hold the noodle shoulder width apart and from an upright position push it down as far as you can and allow it to flow back up with control. The more control you have over the resurfacing of the noodle the more effective your workout will.
Noodles are great because they are so cheap and versatile and anyone with a little imagination can create their own workouts to isolate different parts of the body.
Your backyard pool is the perfect place to get active, fit, and healthy. All it takes is a few props and a little creativity and you will be on your way to health and happiness in no time. Oh and not to mention having that banging body.