Austin, TX: Let’s Workout!
Pool workouts offer many benefits, which include a perfect environment to exercise all year round. The weather in Austin presents a great environment to workout in a pool most times of the year! Water buoyancy supports a section of your body weight, which makes it easier to move in the water and enhance your flexibility. The water also offers resistance to movements that help in muscle strengthening. Pool workouts can also improve cardiovascular fitness, agility, and balance.
Before you start any pool workout program, always consult your physician or physical therapist to ensure pool workouts are best for you. Below are a few tips to get you started:
- Though you will not see your sweat with pool workouts, it is still essential to drink lots of water.
- Slower movements in the water will give you faster movements due to less resistance.
- Water shoes can help in offering traction on the pool floor.
- Use a floatation vest/belt or styrofoam noodle to help you stay afloat in deeper water.
- When exercising, do not push your body through pain.
- Water level can be chest or waist high.
- Use kickboards, styrofoam weights, webbed water gloves, or inflated balls for increased resistance.
1. Water jogging or walking in Austin
You can begin with forward and backward, walking in waist or chest high water. Walk about 10 to 20 steps forward, after which walk backward. You can increase speed to make it harder. Additionally, increase the level of intensity by jogging gently in place. Swap jogging for half an hour with walking in place for 30 seconds. Continue for 4 to 6 minutes.
2. One leg balance
Stand on one leg while lifting the other knee to hip level. Under your raised leg place a pool noodle, so the noodle takes “U” shape with your foot in the middle of the U. Hold as long as you can approximately half an hour and switch legs. Try out 1 to 2 sets of 6 on each leg.
3. Hip kickers at pool wall
Position yourself with the pool wall to one side of your body for support. With your knee straight like you’re kicking, move one leg in a forward direction. Go back to start. You can then move the same leg to the side, and go back to the start position. Finally, move that same leg behind you. Repeat three sets of ten and switch the kicking leg.
4. Deepwater bicycle
Here, loop 1 to 2 noodles around the back of your body and then rest your arms on the noodle for support in the water. Then move your legs like you are riding a bike. Continue for 4 to 6 minutes.
5. Arm raises
Using webbed gloves or arm paddles for added resistance hold arms at your sides. Bend the elbows to 90 degrees. Lower and raise arms and elbows toward the water surface, whilst the elbows remain bent to 90 degrees. You can repeat for three sets of ten. How are you feeling, Austin? Feeling the burn?!
6. Pushups
While you are standing in the pool by the poolside, position arms shoulder width apart on pool edge. Press weight through your hands and raise up your body and halfway out of the water, slightly bending your elbows. Hold 4 seconds and gradually lower back into the pool.
Do you use your pool time as a chance to sneak in exercise or do you like to relax? What are you waiting for? Head out and multi-task in the water. Have a terrific exercise and build strength and relationships any time of the year!
