It is that time of year again – bathing suit season. Are you ready? If not, don’t fret.
As adults, we think of the pool as a place to lounge and take an occasional dip in the water to cool down. But, we can use the pool to help us to become fit and toned. Here are some ways you can get healthy while at the pool this summer.
Water walking is an excellent way to tone your body. Did you know that walking through water is 12 times harder than traditional walking? Brisk water walking is more strenuous than it looks and can provide a great aerobic workout, burning 300 to 500 calories per hour.
Additionally, this is a great alternative for people that have trouble with joint pain from regular walking. The water can support up to 80 percent of your body weight when you are at a water depth of right below your shoulders.
Water aerobics is another great way to tone your whole body. Thirty minutes of water aerobics can burn around 300 calories. Water aerobics is good for all fitness levels and can help to build strength and flexibility. In addition, it will help to improve your endurance.
Many people think you have to know how to swim to do a water aerobics class but you don’t. Anyone can participate in a water aerobics class. Many facilities offer a variety of classes for all fitness levels.
Swimming engages your entire body, working all of your major muscle groups. Additionally, the rhythmic breathing will build up your cardiovascular endurance. The number of calories one can burn depends on how much you weigh, how long you swim and how fast you swim.
It is possible to burn upward of 761 calories swimming the freestyle stroke fast for one hour if you weigh 145 pounds. If you weight more, then you will burn even more calories!
Even playing around in the pool with your children will burn calories and help you to become more fit. Staying active is the key; and the pool can provide a fun, refreshing environment when the heat becomes unbearable.
Find ways to incorporate exercise with fun this summer and it won’t feel like a chore. For more tips on how to live a happier and healthier life, visit GetHealthyLiveWell.org.