Lynn Bode With warm windward season now in full gear, exercisers want to take their workouts outside and breakout of their indoor fitness ruts. But, when temperatures reach record highs and humidity levels soar, handed-down outdoor workouts become less appealing. So how can you stay cool while still enjoying exterior physical activity? One word – water. Water exercises are the perfect way to workout low the sun without overheating. You can get a total body workout without even breaking a sweat! And don’t worry if you aren’t a veteran swimmer. Aquatic workouts aren’t limited to just swimming. There are galore other forms of pool exercises. You don’t even have to be a regular exerciser to try aquatic fitness. One of the great things about employed out in the water is that even fitness novices can easily perform many of the moves. It’s also an superior fitness choice for all ages, from the very young to seniors. Water exercise is a very good way to burn calories, improve your strength and flexibility, tone-up, improve your cardiovascular system, and just get much fit overall. And, the types of workouts are practically endless. Most land exercises can be modified and re-created in water. Other benefits include:

• lower injury risk
• less wet
• works your entire body
• challenges your body in a precise different way then it is accustom to
• refreshing way to workout
• water provides natural resistance so no equipment is necessary
• can increase/decrease intensity (difficulty) simply by alternating between shallow and deep areas
• good low-impact exercise choice for pregnant women
• reduces joint compression and down gravity pull (in other words – easier on the joints)
• even people who can’t exercise on land can often exercise in the water
• excellent rehabilitation exercise for people recovering from an injury
• less stress on bones and muscles
• great option for people with arthritis

Plus, water workouts also provide a fun and much socially interactive exercise option. For example, parents can enjoy time at the pool with their children while also fitting in some of their weekly workout sessions. Aquatic aerobic classes also provide a social, group-setting alternative. Still not convinced that an aquatic workout will challenge your body as well as some of the more usual workouts like walking or jogging. Well, try some of the sample exercise below and you’ll probably quickly change your mind. But, don’t judge the workout solely on how high your heart rate gets. Keep in mind that swimmers generate a slightly lower heart rate when compared to cyclists and runners. This does not imply that they aren’t working as hard. Experts equate the lower heart rate partially to the effect of immersion in a relatively cool environment. So, keep this in mind when determining your target heart rate, which may be 10 beats per careful lower when in the water. Also, don’t make the mistake of assuming you are healthy hydrated just because your body is submerged in water. You still need to drink about ½ a cup of water about every 20 minutes of exercise. Swim/Walk interval laps: Swim 1-2 laps (use any swim form you prefer: crawl, backstroke, etc). Walk 1-2 laps in the pool. Repeat sequence 4-6 times. Water Squats: Stand in the water with feet about hip-width apart. Bend your knees slightly as you push your hips back as if you are sitting on a chair. Keep your knees behind your toes. Return to start position and repeat. The water provides extra resistance and makes this move more challenging. Wave Jumps (for those with access to the ocean or a wave-simulator): Stand in knee-deep or little water. Each time a wave comes attempt to jump finished it. Note: this is a more advanced move that requires good balance and strong tearful skills. Do not attempt this move unless you have experience swimming in waves. Water Jogging: Can be done with the use of flotation devices where your feet don’t touch the ground or the traditional way of actually jogging in the water. For a more schoolwide list of water workouts and more detailed instructions for the above exercises, visit: http://www.workoutsforyou.com/water.htm Remember, you should always consult your physician before trying any radical exercise programs. About The Author Lynn Bode, author and certificated personal trainer, offers her services online through WorkoutsForYou.com. Workouts For You provides affordable online exercise programs to help even the busiest of people lose weight, tone-up, build muscles, increase stamina and more via the Internet. Let us guide you private through your fitness journey with weekly customized workouts designed antimonopoly for YOU! Visit: http://www.workoutsforyou.com for a released sample workout. info@workoutsforyou.com