Revvvv up your workout with pool exercises!
You’re in the pool, you’re flailing around, maybe even doing some laps, but can you be doing more? Absolutely! Here are five pool exercises that will make you enjoy your pool even more and get that bikini bod you’ve been craving.
Start by warming-up. Jog in place for about 5 minutes keeping your hands in a fist under-water and bend at the elbow, straighten and repeat as you jog.
Ok, you’re ready. Let’s get this going:
#1 Targets shoulders, arms, abs, and hips
- Standing in the shallow end, simultaneously sit back into the water, treading with hands out to sides. Now lift both legs together so that you fold at hips with your head and toes just above the surface.
- Quickly bring knees to chest — or bring legs as straight as you can toward chest to make V less wide — then extend legs to return to V position.
- Do 15 to 20 reps. Continue treading with hands for 1 minute.
#2 Targets arms
Place palms flat on pool edge or grab gutter. Do a little hop and raise yourself up as high as you can by straightening arms. Hold the position for a few seconds. Keeping elbows close to your body, lower yourself until elbows form 90-degree angles. Don’t let feet touch the bottom of the pool. Raise and lower yourself for 10 to 20 reps.
#3 Firms thighs and butt
Stand with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Squat low enough so shoulders are under water. Keep arms out to sides for balance. Jump straight up, lowering arms and squeezing butt as you go, and bring legs together at top of jump. Land in starting position. Do 20 reps.
#4 Tones abs
Sit on edge of pool with legs straight down. (Water should come to about mid-thigh.) Lean back slightly, with hands behind body for support. Keeping legs straight, lift them above surface to form a V with your body. Point toes and keep legs together at all times. Lower legs to starting position. Do 10 to 20 reps.
#5 Firms thighs, hips, abs
Lean back against pool wall, grasping edge for support. Raise legs so they’re parallel to pool bottom, then spread legs as wide as possible. Squeezing inner thighs, bring legs together, crossing left leg over right. Contracting outer thighs, open back up to starting position. Repeat, crossing right leg over left, to complete one rep. Do 20 reps.
Do 2-3 sets of these a day and you should feel and see the difference in no time. And, don’t forget your sunscreen!
Photo: Pinterest