Aqua Activities - Get Fit in Water!

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Read more :

• Water walking
• Running in water
• Aqua kick boxing
• Aqua aerobics
• Swimming
• Snorkelling and scuba diving

Water walking

If you're tired of walking around the block, why not try walking in water? The extra resistance will provide extra work for your legs, abdominal and lower back muscles. Many people simply walk up and down the length of their local pool but you could also try walking through the water at the beach.

 

If you want to vary your routine, add a few different steps. Lower your torso to waist (or chest) level in the water, bend your knees and lengthen your stride for long lunges. Or why not try wide side steps, or walking backwards?

 

Try it today: Get your friends to join you at your local pool or beach -- you can catch up on all the latest gossip while you're walking up and down.

Running in water

You can run in shallow or deep water, depending on whether you want a high or low impact workout. Both types of exercise are great for cardiovascular fitness. Shallow water running has a higher impact level as it involves touching the floor of the pool. Deep water running is harder but has virtually no impact as you do not touch the floor of the pool. With deep water running, you may need a running belt to help you stay afloat.

 

Try it today: Visit your local pool and give both deep and shallow water running a go. If you need a running belt, ask the staff at the pool or visit a sports shop.

 

Aqua kick boxing

If you're looking for a high-impact way to alleviate stress in the water, try some kick boxing moves to get your heart rate up. Lunges, jumps and kicks will help to tone your butt, thigh and tummy. Try boxing the water with small, fast, tight punches or extend your arms for long-ranges punches.

 

Try it today: Experiment with your own moves, or enquire at leisure centres in your area for aqua kick boxing or body combat classes.

Aqua aerobics

Most swimming centres offer aqua aerobics at a range of levels: from beginners to advanced. Some centres offer deep water aerobics too, which involves a lot more work to stay afloat!

 

Aqua aerobics is a great, low-impact way to improve your cardiovascular fitness. Not only does it help to tone muscle and improve posture, it's also fun. Aqua aerobics is low impact and is easy on your joint. While you might not get as sweaty or puffed out as when you do land aerobics, you'll still be working hard! Aqua aerobics makes use of the resistance provided by the water to strengthen and tone muscles.

 

Try it today: Join a class at your local swimming centre.

Swimming

Swimming is a full body workout. Unlike many other exercises that concentrate on specific body areas, swimming benefits the upper body, mid-section and legs all at once. It is one of the fastest ways to improve general strength, stamina and cardiovascular fitness.

 

Swimming has a low risk of injury because the water supports your body as you move. It's a great exercise for everyone, regardless of age or weight - just take it at your own pace.

 

Good breathing technique is often overlooked in many sporting activities. The advantage of swimming is that it requires you to concentrate on good technique. Good breathing is important for everyone, and especially so for those with asthma.

 

Try it today: If you are new to swimming, start out slowly or sign up for swimming lessons. Training clubs are a good way to get advice on your swimming technique and make new friends. If you are a regular swimmer, try a different stroke and use some different muscles in your body.

Snorkelling and scuba diving

If you're looking for a fun way to burn calories, give snorkelling or scuba diving a try. While scuba diving requires specialist breathing equipment and a licence, everyone can try snorkelling. Snorkels and masks are easily purchased from a swimming store, dive store, or from a variety store, like K-mart. Flippers aren't a must-have but they will help stop your legs getting tired.

 

Although both scuba diving and snorkelling are quite physically challenging, they are also relaxing and bring you back in touch with nature. You'll enjoy the fascination of seeing coloured fish, coral and spectacular seaweed.

 

Try it today: Grab your family or a friend and hit the beach. Ask at dive stores for places of interest for snorkelling in your area. Or enrol in a scuba diving course.

Last updated: May 14th, 2005