Benefits of exercising in a swimming pool

Water creates natural resistance without the use of additional weights. This is one of the reasons why water exercises are considered as strength-training exercises. Water workouts also keep your joints and heart healthy. In the water, you don’t experience your actual weight and you don't have to battle against gravity for movement. Another big factor that helps the cause of water-based exercises is that they can be performed any any age, as they are low-impact exercises.

Another factor going for water workouts is that one can remain in water and continue performing exercises without feeling fatigued immediately. In fact, more and more swimming pools today also have heated water, making them functional all year, even in winter months, which makes this form of exercise even more accessible. If you’re suffering from joint pain, injuries or specific illnesses, water workouts can be easier to perform towards getting better.

That swimming is a complete sport is a well-known fact, but another form of water activity - aquacycling - can help you burn some extra calories. To perform this exercise, an aquatic cycle is placed inside the swimming pool. Just sit on the cycle and start peddling. This movement requires you to move your legs against the water pressure, which creates all the added resistance. This movement strengthens the legs and can be a great massage for your entire lower body, especially beneficial for those recovering from injuries.

Have you ever tried to run while submerged in water? Stand straight anywhere in the pool and start jogging. Get the knees up high - like doing the high-knees exercise. This will burn a lot more calories than jogging on a street or a park and keeps your bones healthy and refreshed.

Although quite different from the conventional land-based plank exercise, the water-based version is also a great exercise to target your abdominal muscles.

You may need a swimming noodle to perform this exercise, which is a tube-like structure made out of thick foam. Hold the noodle in your hands with an overhand grip. Stretch your entire body away from the noodle, parallel to the ground making a straight line with your body like the basic plank position. Noodle will go underwater but you keep holding it with a tight grip. Move your legs to keep your body over the water. Hold this stance for as long as you can. 

Stand straight in the water with your feet hip-width apart. While bending your knees lower your body. Keep your arms straight in front of you. Try to jump as high as you can. This movement helps you burn more fat and develops more strength in the leg muscles.

Hold the edge of the poolside with your left hand and stand straight. Keep your body straight and start lifting your right leg upward as much as you can. Repeat this for 10-15 times and then perform with the other side. Side leg-raises allow you to shape up your obliques and reduces fat.

It is the most common water sports that helps torch calories that is comparable to running. Swimming is one of the best ways to work the entire body, especially in the summer. Maintaining cardiovascular health is also a major benefit of swimming, along with promoting overall muscle growth. According to experts, 25 minutes of swimming each day reduces the risk of all kinds of diseases.

Before starting any new workout regimen, it is always better to first consult your doctor or a physician and get a clearance from them. Water-based exercises are good for those who know how to swim. For those who don't, either choose to pick a swimming pool with a shallow end or perform the exercises in the presence of a lifeguard.

Choose a workout routine that is suitable to your fitness requirements and goals. If you experience pain or anything unusual, then stop the exercise right there and consult a doctor.

Water workouts can be great for burning fat and making exercising in the summer enjoyable. If you’re tired going to a gym and want to add variety to your daily workout routine, swimming and other forms of water-based exercises can be a great way to revitalize your fitness plan.