What’s So Great About Water Workouts?
For too long, the mention of a water workout conjured up images of octogenarians bobbing through aqua aerobics. In reality, exercising in the water is not just for seniors or injured athletes. A water workout is a great addition to traditional strength and cardio training. Moving in water can be extremely challenging when performed intentionally and with proper form.
Plus, it’s fun to mix up your workout environment with a change of scenery now and then. “I like doing exercises in the water because it puts me into a different world, the sensation of the water, hearing my breathing, muffled sounds and the bubbles” says Morgan. So don’t get landlocked! Here are some benefits of water workouts you won’t want to miss.
Build Strength
Water provides natural resistance in all directions. Hop in a pool and gravity’s not the only force you’re fighting against. Yay? Yes, yay! Thanks to the full body, immersive resistance experience water offers, every time you move in a pool you’re engaging multiple muscle groups at once, using both push and pull movements. It’s easier to work core, arms, and legs at the same time in the water, often without even realizing you’re doing it.
Easy to Tailor
Water workouts are very customizable. Water resistance increases with speed and surface area so just by moving faster or making bigger movements, you can scale up your workout. No additional equipment needed! Adding dumbbells or gloves to a workout will make exercise even more difficult in the water, but without the impact that increased weight on land can add to your joints.
Body Kind
One of the best perks of a water workout is that water offers resistance without impact. When you’re in water, most of your body weight is being supported which reduces pressure on joints, bones, ligaments and tendons. Less impact on your joints makes movement more comfortable and less likely to cause injury, which means you’re able to exercise for years to come.
Add It In
Schedule two or three 45-minute or more workouts per week if you want to build up strength and enhance your endurance. Don’t forget, progression matters. Just like land-based exercise, your results will improve when you add faster movements, increase your workout time, or use water resistance tools. Try treading water with your hands and elbows out of the water or breath control work under water to expand lung capacity. Notice where your body might be tight from a land workout and use the water to help loosen up your joints. And do it all comfortably and stylishly in your favorite See Her Swim performance suit.
