How to Get a Workout in Your Own Pool

Swimming pools can enhance the beauty and value of your property, create a great space for relaxing with friends and family, and provide a way to get an excellent full-body workout in your own backyard. Exercising in the water offers several benefits, including increased resistance resulting in better strength and endurance, and better support for your muscles and joints, thereby reducing your risk of injury. While swimming is effective exercise in itself, there are several other ways to transform your pool into a home gym. Here are a few ideas:

  • Water walking. Walking is one of the simplest ways to stay in shape, and the benefits are only heightened when performed in the water. Try alternating between walking around the pool and jogging in place; for added resistance, hold a kickboard vertically in front of you as you move.
  • Underwater bicycles. Using either the side of the pool or a noodle to support your arms, move your legs in a bicycling motion underwater for 3-5 minutes at a time.
  • Push-ups. Stand in the water at arm’s length from the side of the pool and place your hands shoulder-width apart on the pool ledge. Keeping your body straight and your feet on the floor, performs sets of ten push-ups against the side of the pool.
  • Arm lifts. Adding foam dumbbells to your aquatic fitness routine is a great way to increase upper body strength. Standing in water up to your shoulders and keeping your arms straight, hold the dumbbells and raise your arms until they’re level with your shoulders. Repeat this motion for 1-3 sets of 8-14 repetitions.
  • Leg kicks. To strengthen your core and leg muscles, perform a series of flutter and scissor kicks while holding onto the side of the pool or a kickboard. Do each type of kick for 1-3 minutes.

These are just a few examples of the many types of exercises that can be performed in your backyard pool for greater strength, agility, and overall wellness. Thinking of adding a pool to your property? Call the design and construction experts at Aqua Pool today at 860-623-9886 to get started!