Make a Splash like (Aquatic exercise)

May 22, 2008

Make a Splash like

By Kathy Kaehler

Water workouts aren't just for grannies in swim caps, anymore. Far

from it. Even my long-time client bought into my water

fitness plan.

My training programs often include the pool because I like how the

water allows you to run hard, stretch deep and develop long and lean

muscles. So with the weather warming up, why not consider hitting the

water for your workout? If you don't have a pool in your backyard,

there are other options: Gyms today often have pools, indoor or

outdoor, or you could try community centers, YMCAs, hotels or local

colleges.

Beginners may want to take a class to get started. From there, the

possibilities are limitless. There are hundreds of exercises that can

be done in the shallow and deep ends of a pool. I'm not just talking

about doing laps up and down, or treading water. You can actually do

many of the same exercises in the water than you can on land,

including walking, marching, running, cross-country skiing, kicking,

leaping – even crunches.

When I have in the pool, we do a range of shallow- and deep-

water activities. The cardio exercises include jumping jacks, water

walking and water running in the deep end using flotation belts. For

toning, we do scissors, heel lifts, leg lifts, leg circles and knee

swivels.

Water workouts can be particularly effective because the water

resists the movements of your body, increasing the challenge. But

because you're buoyant in the water, workouts can be done without

impact, making them easy on the joints and particularly helpful for

people with injuries or arthritis.

Besides the physical benefits, there are psychological perks to water

workouts, too. You'll feel incredible as you float weightless through

the water. And when the workout is over, it is hard to get out of the

pool. The water is refreshing, and you feel light and relaxed.

For more tips and instruction, check out " The Complete Waterpower

Workout Book " by Lynda Huey, an expert in athletic water training who

has developed programs for professional athletes, celebrities and

people needing to rehabilitate after an injury or surgery. Training

with Lynda, I have learned some incredible things in the pool that I

now use with my clients.

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