The summer weather has officially taken hold in Concord, NH and that means that it is the perfect time for our residents to hit the pool. While the pool can be a relaxing escape from the heat, it can also be a great place to get in some low-impact exercise to keep your heart healthy and help you reach your fitness goals this summer. Whether you’re an avid swimmer or you simply like to lounge in the shallow end of the water, there is at least one fun and beneficial pool exercise that you can fall in love with this summer!
5 Fun Pool Exercises to Help Keep You Cool This Summer
1. Aqua Jogging
When the temperatures are too hot outside, you can easily get in a low-impact jogging session in the pool. Grab a friend and get to work as you jog from one side of the pool to the other. You can even complete this exercise on busy pool days by simply jogging in place. Over time, you can mix things up and make things more challenging by including water weights and other pool approved fitness tools.
2. Leg Swings
Tone up your legs and keep cool in the pool with this simple and effective upper leg exercise. Stand at the side of the pool in water that at lease reaches your lower back. Take hold of the edge of the pool and swing your outside leg in front of your body as far as possible, being sure to keep your leg straight. Hold it in place for 5 seconds, then swing it behind your rear, holding for another 5 seconds. Switch sides and repeat.
3. Flutter Kicks
This fun and easy cardio exercise can be done with or without a kickboard. If you have a kickboard, hold it out in front of your body and flutter kick your legs to slowly move through the water, going back and forth across the pool. If you don’t have access to a kickboard, simply front float with your hands out and head above the water. Kick your legs at a steady tempo to make sure you don’t tire too quickly and repeat.
4. Standing Water Push-Ups
Build your arm, shoulder and chest strength with this low-impact exercise without putting extra strain on your joints. Stand at the edge of the pool, placing your arms shoulder width apart. Grip the gutter or edge of the pool, bending your arms and leaning in toward the wall. Push yourself back out to the starting position and repeat doe several reps or until your arms begin to feel tired.
5. Arm Curls
Keep your arms strong and toned with this water exercise while enjoying your workout in the cool, calming waters of our pool. Begin by heading out to the middle of the pool with your water weights. Water weights are ideal for adding extra resistance but if you don’t have them don't worry. Next, stand with feet shoulder width apart and hold the weights out in front of your body with your palms facing out. Curl the weights up, then back down and repeat until your arms get tired. If you don’t have water weights, begin with arms stretched out in front of your body, palms facing toward you. Follow the same curling motion and rest once you start to feel fatigue in your arms.
Stay Cool and Fit This Summer at Havenwood Heritage Heights
Life in our supportive senior living community is all about enjoying yourself in a comforting and relaxed environment. With wonderful amenities like our pool and game rooms, tons of great senior resources and activities for every season, it’s no wonder so many seniors love calling Havenwood Heritage Heights home. For more information on life at our Concord continuing care retirement community, please contact us.
